Homemade bread

Homemade Bread Recipe: An Irresistible Experience

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread? This simple homemade bread recipe will not only fill your home with an irresistible aroma but also provide a culinary experience that will make you feel like a true kitchen master. Making homemade bread is an age-old tradition filled with stories and rituals that you can add to your own memories. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours (depending on room temperature)
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 1-2 hours and 30-40 minutes (depending on rising)
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of wheat flour (choose a high-quality flour for the best results)
- 2 cups of warm water (approximately 500 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (to enhance the flavor)
- 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 5 tablespoons of sunflower oil (adds flexibility to the dough)
- 1 egg (for brushing the bread, optional)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast and sugar, then pour in half a cup of warm water. Gently stir until the yeast is completely dissolved. It is essential that the water is warm and not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Add the salt, activated yeast, and oil. Start pouring in the remaining water little by little and mix with a wooden spoon until the ingredients begin to come together.

3. Kneading the Dough: Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a floured work surface. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, adding flour as necessary. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not stick to your hands. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten, which will give the bread a light texture.

4. Rising the Dough: Grease the bowl where you prepared the dough with a little oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1-2 hours). You can check if the dough is ready by pressing it; it should slowly return to its original shape.

5. Shaping the Bread: Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knead it a bit more to release the air. Shape it into the desired form (a baguette, a round loaf, or even rolls) and place it in a greased baking tray. Allow it to rise again until it doubles in volume, this time in the tray.

6. Preparing for Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). If desired, you can brush the bread with a beaten egg for a shiny appearance and a golden crust. Sprinkle a little poppy or sesame seeds on top if you want an extra texture.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. A chef's trick: you can place a tray of water in the oven to create steam, which will help achieve a crispy crust.

8. Cooling: After baking, remove the bread from the tray and let it cool on a rack or wooden board. It is recommended not to slice it immediately, but to wait a few hours or even until the next day to allow the flavors to develop.

Practical Tips:
- Flour: Use a type 650 or 000 flour for fluffier bread. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a richer taste and nutritional benefits.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, reduce the amount to 7 g. Dry yeast should be activated in warm water for 10 minutes before being added to the flour.
- Flavoring: You can add dried herbs, granulated garlic, or grated cheese to the dough for a distinct flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:
Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Whole flour, if used, adds fiber and essential nutrients. Moderate consumption of bread can contribute to a balanced diet.

Delicious Combinations:
Serve freshly baked bread with salted butter, fruit jam, or cheese. It is also perfect for accompanying soups or salads. By trying different fillings or toppings, you can transform a simple slice of bread into a delicacy.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why isn't my bread rising? Make sure the yeast is active (check the expiration date) and that you are using warm water, not hot.
- Can I freeze the bread? Yes, you can freeze the bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
- How can I make the bread fluffier? Proper kneading and adhering to rising times are key to fluffy bread.

Now it's time to put on your chef's apron, get your hands busy, and enjoy the pleasure of making homemade bread! Whether you enjoy it plain or with various toppings, this homemade bread recipe will surely become a family favorite. Bon appétit!