Homemade bread

Homemade Bread: Simple and Delicious Recipe

Homemade bread is not just a staple food, but also a cooking experience that combines tradition with the joy of creation. Its inviting aroma and fluffy texture will fill your home with warmth and remind you of moments spent around the table with loved ones. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a delicious bread, perfect for any meal.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12 slices
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes

Ingredients

- 750 g white flour (or a combination of white and whole wheat flour)
- 500 ml lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting the pan)

Necessary Utensils

- A large bowl for kneading
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A bread pan
- A clean kitchen towel
- A preheated oven

A Brief History of Bread

Bread is one of the oldest and most universal foods consumed by humans. The process of making bread has evolved over the centuries, from simply mixing water with flour to refined baking techniques. Today, homemade bread is appreciated not only for its taste but also for the satisfaction of making it yourself.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by gathering all the ingredients. In a large bowl, add 750 g of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and mix well. In another bowl, combine 500 ml of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of dry yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

Practical Tip: If you don’t have lukewarm water, boil water and let it cool slightly. The ideal temperature of the water is between 35-40°C.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

Once the yeast is active, add it to the bowl with flour. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil as well. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until you get a wet dough. Then, start kneading with your hands for 15-20 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth.

Bread Machine Option: If you have a bread machine, you can add the ingredients in the order specified by the machine and let it handle the kneading.

Step 3: Rising the Dough

Grease a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil and dust it with flour, making sure it is evenly covered. Place the dough in the pan, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Practical Tip: If you want the dough to rise faster, you can place it in a warm oven (at 30°C) or near a radiator.

Step 4: Baking the Bread

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the dough has risen, remove it from the pan and knead it gently to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it back in the pan. Bake the bread for 1 hour until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

After you have removed the bread from the oven, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. This will keep the crust soft and fluffy. Let the bread cool completely before slicing it.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade bread is perfect for serving warm, alongside fresh butter, fruit jam, or even as a base for delicious sandwiches. You can pair it with soups or salads, turning any meal into a feast.

Recipe Variations

To add extra flavor, you can experiment with:

- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace one-third of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Seeds: Add a mix of seeds (sunflower, sesame, barley) to the dough for an interesting texture.
- Aromatic Herbs: Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a Mediterranean flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, especially if you use whole wheat flour. These contribute to sustained energy and satiety. Additionally, homemade bread contains no preservatives or additives, making it a much healthier option than store-bought bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure that the yeast is fresh and check the water temperature. If it is too cold or too hot, the yeast will not activate properly.

- How can I keep the bread fresh longer?
Bread keeps best in a paper bag at room temperature. Avoid plastic bags, as they will make the crust soft.

- Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Slice it and wrap each slice in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. When you want to consume it, you can thaw it at room temperature or toast it directly from the freezer.

Conclusion

Making homemade bread is a fulfilling activity that provides not only a delicious product but also wonderful moments of relaxation in the kitchen. Experiment with various ingredients and techniques to find the perfect combination that suits your tastes. Enjoy each slice with joy, knowing that you created something with your own hands!