Rich Tomato Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• 20 sun-dried tomato halves, packed without oil
• 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Preparation

1. Combine the water and tomatoes in a small bowl. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Strain tomato mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving liquid. Finely chop tomatoes. Heat reserved liquid to 100° to 110°. Place liquid in a large bowl, and stir in yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 3 cups flour, chopped tomatoes, oil, salt, and egg; stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
5. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press 2 fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
6. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Roll dough into a 14 x 7-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll up rectangle tightly, starting with a short edge, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Place roll, seam side down, in an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
7. Lightly coat dough with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 350°.
9. Uncover dough; bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until loaf is browned on bottom and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan; place on a wire rack. Brush with melted butter.