Leek and ham pie

Yeast and Honey Bread Recipe - A Homemade Delight

Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 slices

Homemade bread is a true treasure, and this simple and quick recipe will help you achieve a fluffy and aromatic bread, perfect for any meal. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare a delicious yeast and honey bread that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g of wheat flour (for optimal texture, use type 650 flour)
- 300 ml of lukewarm milk
- 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast or 25 g of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of honey (to activate the yeast and add a hint of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for added flavor and texture)

Step 1: Activating the yeast

Start by warming the milk until it is lukewarm, but not hot - the ideal temperature is about 37 degrees Celsius. Add the yeast and honey to the warm milk and stir gently. Leave the mixture in a warm place for 15 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will ensure a fluffy bread.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

Once the yeast has fermented, in a large bowl, add the flour and salt. It is important to add the salt only after the yeast has been activated, as salt can inhibit yeast development if added too early. Make a well in the middle of the flour and pour in the milk and yeast mixture. Also, add the olive oil.

Step 3: Kneading the dough

Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until a dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as bread that is too dry will not be fluffy.

Step 4: Rising

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size. A good idea is to place it in an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius, but turned off.

Step 5: Baking

After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knead it gently to release the air. Shape the dough into the desired form (for example, a round loaf or a baguette) and place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

Step 6: Cooling and serving

After the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack to prevent condensation. You can serve it warm, with butter or jam, or use it for delicious sandwiches.

Final tips:

- You can experiment with adding herbs or seeds to the dough for a personalized touch.
- If you want a crispier crust, you can spray water in the oven a few minutes before placing the bread inside.
- The bread stays fresh for a few days, but you can freeze it to keep it longer.

This yeast and honey bread recipe is simple, but the result is impressive. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every slice!