ingredients
makes 10 servings (20 slices)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/4 level teaspoon caster sugar
1 level teaspoon dried yeast
1 1/2 cups plain whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cups strong unbleached All purpose flour
1 level teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 level teaspoon salt
1 level teaspoon dried oregano
1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup lukewarm skimmed milk
method
OVEN: Preheat to 220°C (425°F)
1. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onion in it over a moderate heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
2. Pour the water into a small bowl, stir in the sugar until dissolved, and whisk in the yeast. Cover and leave to stand in a warm place for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
3. Sift the flours into a mixing bowl, tipping in the bran left in the sieve. Stir in the mustard, salt, oregano and all but 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan. Make a well in the centre, pour in the yeast liquid and milk, and add the onion with its cooking oil. Mix to a soft dough, using a little extra lukewarm water if necessary. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until even-textured and springy, then put it in a clean, lightly floured bowl. Cover with a clean, damp teacloth and leave in a warm place until doubled in size.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knock out the bubbles and knead again for 2 minutes, until springy. Roll with your hands into a sausage shape about 15 inch long. Lift onto a greased baking sheet and cut across the top with diagonal slashes. Brush with water and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Cover loosely with a clean teacloth and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size, and retains a slight dent when lightly pressed with a fingertip.
5. Bake in the heated oven for 10 minutes, then turn the oven to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 15 minutes more, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack.
