Homemade Bread Recipe: Traditional and Delicious

Baking bread at home is a rewarding and therapeutic process, especially when using a recipe that’s been passed down through generations. This century-old bread recipe from my grandmother is simple yet yields wonderfully soft and flavorful loaves. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

  • 1 pack of dry yeast (10g)
  • 1 cup of warm water (200ml)
  • 1 cup of flour (120g)
  • 2 cups of warm water (400ml)
  • 6 cups of flour (720g)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt (8g)

For the Topping:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons of yogurt

Instructions:

Prepare the Yeast Mixture

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a bowl, mix the dry yeast with 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Make the Starter

  1. Combine Flour and Yeast Mixture:
    • In another bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Dough

  1. Add Water and Flour:
    • After 30 minutes, add 2 cups of warm water to the starter mixture.
    • Gradually add 6 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Mix well until the dough comes together.
  2. Knead the Dough:
    • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

First Rise

  1. Let the Dough Rise:
    • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Bread

  1. Punch Down and Shape:
    • After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air.
    • Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each part into a round loaf.
  2. Second Rise:
    • Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Prepare the Topping

  1. Mix the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and yogurt.

Bake the Bread

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
  2. Brush and Score the Loaves:
    • After the second rise, brush the tops of the loaves with the egg yolk and yogurt mixture.
    • Make a few shallow cuts on the tops of the loaves using a sharp knife.
  3. Bake the Bread:
    • Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve

  1. Cool the Bread:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Traditional and Authentic: This recipe has been passed down through generations, providing a taste of tradition and authenticity with each bite.

Simple Ingredients: Using just a few basic ingredients, this bread is easy to make and free from preservatives and additives found in store-bought bread.

Versatile and Delicious: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter, this bread is versatile and delicious.

Tips for the Best Homemade Bread

Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. Too hot water can kill the yeast.

Let It Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture.

Don’t Over-Knead: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but avoid over-kneading as it can make the bread tough.

Serving Suggestions

With Butter and Jam: Serve freshly baked slices with butter and jam for a simple and delightful breakfast.

For Sandwiches: Use the bread for making delicious sandwiches.

With Soup: Pair with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal.

Health Benefits of Homemade Bread

No Preservatives: Homemade bread is free from preservatives and additives, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought versions.

Control Over Ingredients: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose organic or whole-grain flours and avoid unnecessary sugars or fats.

This century-old bread recipe from my grandmother is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy homemade bread. With easy-to-follow steps and basic ingredients, you can create soft, flavorful loaves that are perfect for any meal. Follow these steps to bake bread that’s so good, you won’t want to buy it anymore.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this bread recipe, you might also like these delicious and easy recipes:

Leave a Comment