Homemade bread

Homemade Bread - a simple and delicious recipe

Who doesn't love the aroma of freshly baked bread that fills the house with a warm and comforting scent? Homemade bread is not just a staple food, but also a true culinary art that connects us to ancient traditions. This simple process of making bread will bring you a sense of fulfillment and joy, and the final result is a soft, flavorful bread that's perfect for any meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Ingredients:
- 1 cup mineral water (250 ml)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs (plus 1 egg for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably olive or sunflower)
- 450-500 g wheat flour (type 650 or 000)

Making Homemade Bread:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature. This step is essential for activating the yeast and achieving fluffy bread.

2. Prepare the dough: Place the flour in a mixing bowl. Make a small well in the center of the flour, like a volcano. This will be where we add the yeast.

3. Activate the yeast: Mix the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl until it becomes a paste. Then, pour this paste into the well in the flour. Cover with a bit of flour and let it rise for 5 minutes. You'll notice bubbles forming, a sign that the yeast is working.

4. Prepare the liquids: Meanwhile, beat the two eggs with the salt until frothy. Lightly warm the mineral water, ensuring it's not hot, just lukewarm to the touch.

5. Mix the ingredients: Add the beaten eggs to the bowl with flour and yeast. Start incorporating the ingredients, then gradually add the mineral water. Use a fork or spatula to mix until the dough begins to come together.

6. Knead the dough: This is a crucial step! Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and start kneading with your hands. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a bit more flour.

7. Add oil to the dough: Once you have a homogeneous dough, add the two tablespoons of oil and knead again until the oil is fully incorporated. This will give the bread a finer and fluffier texture.

8. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts. The dough should double in volume in about an hour.

9. Shape the bread: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a work surface and shape it into your desired form. You can opt for a traditional loaf or use a bundt pan for a more interesting shape.

10. Prepare the baking pan: Grease the pan with a bit of margarine and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Place the shaped dough in the pan.

11. Second rising: Beat an egg and brush the bread with it. Cover again with the towel and let it rise for 10 minutes.

12. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan with the bread in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it's baked by doing the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the bread is done.

13. Finishing: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and brush it with a drizzle of oil. This step will give it a shinier crust and help retain moisture. Let the bread cool on a rack or platter.

14. Serving: Homemade bread is delicious both warm and cold. You can enjoy it plain, with butter, or alongside jams, cheese, or cold cuts. It's perfect for a hearty breakfast or a snack between meals.

Useful tips:
- Ensure the yeast is fresh; otherwise, the bread won't rise well.
- You can experiment with adding seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame) to the dough for extra flavor and nutrients.
- If you want bread with a unique flavor, you can add dried herbs to the dough.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy. It offers protein from eggs and healthy oils, while wheat flour contains essential fiber for digestion. Compared to store-bought bread, it will have a lower content of preservatives and additives.

Recommended combinations:
- Enjoy homemade bread with a warm soup for a comforting lunch.
- Use the slices for delicious sandwiches filled with fresh vegetables, meat, or cheese.
- Share this bread with friends at a festive meal, alongside a bottle of white wine or natural juice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why should I use mineral water? Mineral water helps activate the yeast and adds a lighter texture to the dough.
- What if the dough doesn’t rise? Check if the yeast is fresh and if you let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts.
- Can I freeze the bread? Yes, the bread can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you have this simple and detailed recipe, it's time to get cooking! There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a slice of freshly baked bread made by you. Happy cooking!