Braided bread

Braided Bread: Tradition and Authentic Taste

Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked bread? Braided bread is not just a delicacy but also an art, a tradition that has stood the test of time. Each bite carries a story, a rich history, and the preparation process becomes a true meditation in the kitchen. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to make delicious braided bread, perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of wheat flour
- 5 teaspoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 25-30 g fresh yeast (or about 4 teaspoons of dry yeast)
- 30 ml olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of powdered milk
- About 550 ml warm water

Preparation: Step by step

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 teaspoons of sugar, 100 g of flour, and 150-200 ml of warm water. Add the yeast and mix well. Let the starter rise for 15 minutes in a warm, draft-free place. This step is essential; you will notice that the starter becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the oil, ensuring the flour is well combined. Add the remaining sugar, salt, and powdered milk, mixing gently.

3. Adding the starter: Once the starter has risen, add it to the bowl with flour and pour in about 350 ml of warm water. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until you get a dough. If the dough is too stiff, feel free to add more water; it should be elastic, non-sticky, and easy to handle.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 15 minutes. Start with pressing and stretching movements, then fold it and repeat. This exercise not only improves the dough's texture but also gives you the satisfaction of creating something delicious.

5. Letting the dough rise: Sprinkle a little flour on the dough, cover it with a lid, and then with a blanket to keep it warm. Let it rise for 1 hour or 1 hour and a quarter. You will notice that the volume of the dough will double.

6. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, knead it again for 5 minutes. Divide it into two equal parts. Each part is divided into three equal pieces. Let them rise for 5 minutes.

7. Forming the rolls: Each piece is rolled into three strands, which should be longer than the baking tray by about 0.5 cm. If you are using trays of 22.5/8.5 cm, the length of the strands should be about 33-34 cm.

8. Braiding: Moisten the work surface with a little oil and start braiding the three strands. Start from the middle and work towards the ends. Place the loaves in trays, brushing them with a little oil on the bottom.

9. Second rising: Cover the trays with a cloth and let them rise in a warm place until they double in size.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to high heat. When the loaves are ready, place the trays in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at high heat. Then, reduce the temperature and bake for another 50-60 minutes. It is important to turn the trays after the first 15 minutes for even baking.

11. Cooling: Once the loaves are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the trays for 10 minutes. Then, place them on a wooden board and cover them with a thick cloth to cool.

12. Serving: Once completely cooled, you can slice them. Braided bread is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with butter, cheese, or anything else you prefer.

Nutritional benefits: Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Whole wheat flour, if you choose to use it, brings essential fiber for healthy digestion. Olive oil adds healthy fats, while powdered milk provides an extra protein boost.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or a combination with rye flour. Additionally, adding seeds (sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds) to the surface of the bread before baking can bring unique flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Why should I use powdered milk? Powdered milk helps achieve a finer texture and adds a delicious taste.
2. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, make sure to activate the yeast according to the instructions on the package.
3. How do I know when the bread is baked? The bread is done when it is golden brown on the outside and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

I hope this braided bread recipe brings you joy and warmth in the kitchen! Don’t forget to share the final result with your loved ones, as nothing compares to a meal where homemade bread is the star. Enjoy!