Sourdough Tomato Amish Friendship Bread

Submitted by: Wai Chan | Food Beyond Hope
Image (c) Wai Chan | Food Beyond Hope

“We sliced and toasted it, then slathered it with butter. It was delicious! A perfect bread for sandwiches.”

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 16
Yield: 2 loaves

Ingredients

2 cups Amish Friendship Bread Starter
1 1/2 cups warm tomato or V8 juice
2 teaspoons sugar
7 cups flour
2 teaspoons Italian seasonings (optional)
Grated cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the starter, tomato juice and sugar. Add optional ingredients.
2. Add in 1 cup of flour at a time and stir well to develop the gluten.
3. When the dough is stiff, turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Add the last 1 cup of flour as you go.
4. Add to a greased bowl and lightly grease the top.
5. Cover with a towel and place in a draft free area over night or for 12 hours.
6. Punch down dough and divide into two.
7. Form into rounds and place each on a baking sheet that has been sprinkled generously with cornmeal.
8. Let rise for 1-2 hours, covered with a towel.
9. Preheat oven to 350° F (177° C).
10. Rub tops of loaves lightly with flour and slash with a sharp knife.
11. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the bottom is lightly browned.
12. ENJOY!

Kitchen Notes

It works best to use a stand mixer and dough hook to mix the dough up to the kneading. For a soft crust, cool bread under a clean dish towel. For a harder, European type crust, let cool without a dish towel.

Image Gallery

L to R: (c) Wai Chan