Bread, pizza, brioche, and black bread are all beloved staples in many households and cuisines around the world. Each one offers a unique flavor, texture, and aroma that can’t be denied. In recent years, a new ingredient has emerged in the culinary scene – vegetable charcoal. This black powder not only adds a striking appearance to these recipes but also a hint of smokiness that elevates them to a whole new level. Let’s explore how to make these delectable treats using vegetable charcoal.
First, let’s start with bread. This versatile staple has been a part of our diets for centuries. To make black bread with vegetable charcoal, begin by combining all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix warm water and vegetable charcoal until well blended. Gradually add the charcoal mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a ball of dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Allow it to rise in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size. Finally, shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased bread pan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes. The result will be a beautiful, soft black bread with a smoky undertone.
Next is everyone’s favorite – pizza. To make a fantastic charcoal-infused pizza crust, combine all-purpose flour, vegetable charcoal, salt, sugar, instant yeast, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for an hour. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into desired portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, adding your favorite toppings. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted. The resulting charcoal pizza will not only be visually striking but also have a unique smoky flavor.
For those with a sweet tooth, brioche is the perfect choice. Begin by combining all-purpose flour, vegetable charcoal, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Slowly add warm milk and eggs, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and shiny. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for an hour or until it doubles in size. Once risen, divide the dough into desired portions and shape them into balls or twists. Place them on a baking tray and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Brush the brioche with an egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The end result will be a visually captivating black brioche with a delightful hint of smokiness.
Incorporating vegetable charcoal into these recipes not only enhances their appearance but also imparts a unique and intriguing flavor. Whether you’re baking bread, making pizza, or indulging in a sweet treat like brioche, adding vegetable charcoal will take your creations to the next level. So, grab some of this beautiful black powder and start creating these delightful recipes today!