Dill Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup minced fresh dill
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon fine salt
• Vegetable oil, as needed

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sour cream, dill, butter, and sugar. Place over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and cool to about 110 degrees F. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the milk. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.

Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl of flour and mix until a soft, ragged mixture is formed.

Transfer the flour mixture to a well-floured work surface and knead by hand until an elastic dough is formed, about 10 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and place in the warm spot, until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Transfer the dough to the work surface and, using your hands, gently flatten into a 10-inch-long oval shape. Fold the dough into thirds lengthwise, overlapping the sides in the center. Press down on the overlapping sides to seal and make a seam. Place seam side-down in a buttered 9 by 5-inch loaf pan, cover with a kitchen towel, and return to the warm spot until the dough has risen about 1 1/2 inches over the top of the pan, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Brush the top of the dough lightly with warm water and, using a sharp knife, make 1/4-inch-deep slit down the center. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Remove the loaf from the pan and place in the center of the rack. Continue baking until the loaf sounds hollow when rapt lightly with your knuckles on the bottom and top, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers about 190 degrees F., about 15 minutes.

Transfer the bread loaf to a cooling rack and let cool for 2 hours before using.

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