If you’re looking for a simple and delicious homemade bread recipe, look no further! This bread is so good that I stopped buying bread from the store. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- Water: 280 ml (9.5 oz), lukewarm
- Sugar: 10 g (0.35 oz)
- Dry Yeast: 6 g (0.21 oz)
- Wheat Flour: 470 g (16.6 oz), added gradually
- Salt: 9 g (0.31 oz)
Instructions:
Mixing the Dough:
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the wheat flour to the mixture while stirring. Add the salt along with the flour. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Kneading:
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
First Rise:
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Set aside in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Shaping the Dough:
- Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Prepare Pan: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan with internal dimensions of 21.5x11x5.5 cm (8.5×4.3×2.2 inches).
Second Rise:
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 40-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Baking:
- Preheat Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F).
- Bake Bread: Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven. Reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F) and bake for 30-35 minutes. After 15 minutes of baking, remove any pot of water if you used one to create steam.
- Check Doneness: The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling:
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Proper Temperature: Ensure the water is lukewarm to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead Well: Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving the bread a good texture.
- Warm Place for Rising: Find a warm, draft-free place for the dough to rise to ensure it doubles in size.
Health Benefits
Homemade bread is not only delicious but also healthier:
- No Preservatives: Unlike store-bought bread, this homemade version contains no preservatives.
- Control Ingredients: You have control over the ingredients, ensuring no unnecessary additives.
- Rich in Nutrients: Using whole wheat flour can increase the nutritional value with more fiber and essential nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the water content slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
How do I store homemade bread? Store your bread in a bread box or a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in an airtight bag.
Can I add other ingredients like seeds or nuts? Absolutely! You can add seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise? Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is the right temperature. If the dough still doesn’t rise, you may need to try a warmer place or give it more time.
Conclusion
This homemade bread recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, delicious, and healthier than store-bought bread. Enjoy baking and sharing this wonderful bread with your family and friends!