Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds
Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings
A delightful blend of tangy blueberries, zesty lemon, and crunchy poppy seeds, this sourdough bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds is not just a bread; it's a celebration of flavors! The tartness of blueberries combined with the refreshing zest of lemon creates a perfect balance, while poppy seeds add a delightful crunch. Whether enjoyed toasted with butter or as a sandwich base, this sourdough will surely impress your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh fruit flavor and citrus brightness
- Unique texture from the sourdough and poppy seeds
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds offers a delightful balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of fresh blueberries pairs perfectly with the bright, zesty notes of lemon, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Each bite is a burst of fruitiness, making it an ideal choice for those who love a hint of sweetness in their bread.
The addition of poppy seeds not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to the texture. This unique combination elevates the traditional sourdough experience, transforming it into something truly special. Whether enjoyed plain or with a spread of butter, this bread is sure to impress.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Blueberries are not just delicious; they are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Rich in vitamin C and fiber, they contribute to overall health and can help boost your immune system. Incorporating blueberries into your diet can promote heart health and improve cognitive function.
Lemon adds more than just flavor; it is a great source of vitamin C and can aid digestion. The refreshing citrus flavor complements the sourdough's natural tang, making each slice not only tasty but also healthful. Combined with the whole grain benefits of bread flour, this recipe strikes a nourishing balance.
Serving Suggestions
This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a delightful breakfast, toast slices and spread a layer of cream cheese or ricotta, then top with additional fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey. This creates a satisfying start to your day that is both nutritious and delicious.
For a light afternoon snack, enjoy the bread on its own or pair it with a cup of tea. Its unique flavor profile makes it a perfect accompaniment to both sweet and savory spreads. Additionally, consider using it for French toast or as a base for a breakfast sandwich, making it an all-around winner in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Flavor
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Make sure to use fresh blueberries and high-quality bread flour for the best results!
Instructions
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sourdough starter, warm water, salt, sugar, and poppy seeds. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Incorporate Blueberries and Lemon
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
First Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf
After the first rise, turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
Bake the Bread
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and Slice
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Lemon Sourdough warm or toasted!
Storing Your Sourdough
To keep your Blueberry Lemon Sourdough fresh, store it in a bread box or a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and make the crust soggy. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, simply toast the slices directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature. This method preserves the bread's texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy your sourdough whenever you crave it.
Experimenting with Flavors
Feel free to experiment with other fruits and flavors in this sourdough recipe. For instance, raspberries or blackberries can be substituted for blueberries for a different berry twist. You can also add a hint of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added depth.
Another fun variation is to incorporate nuts such as walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and nutrition. The beauty of sourdough is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this bread without a sourdough starter?
Yes, you can use commercial yeast instead. Use about 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
→ How do I store leftover bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberries or chopped strawberries work well too.
→ What can I serve with this bread?
It's delicious on its own, but you can serve it with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam.
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough with Poppy Seeds
A delightful blend of tangy blueberries, zesty lemon, and crunchy poppy seeds, this sourdough bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Created by: Sandra
Recipe Type: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Flavor
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sourdough starter, warm water, salt, sugar, and poppy seeds. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
After the first rise, turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 66g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 10g