Homemade bread with a touch of prayer

Homemade Bread with a Touch of Prayer

Who doesn’t love the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread? This recipe for homemade white bread is more than just a simple recipe; it’s an experience that blends tradition with a touch of spirituality. I will walk you through the steps to achieve a fluffy and delicious bread, perfect for any meal, along with some tricks and tips to make everything easier.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours (1 hour + 1 hour)
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients you need:
- 1 kg high-quality white flour
- 16 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 400-500 ml lukewarm water (about 40-45°C)
- Melted butter or oil for greasing (optional)
- Grated cheese (optional, for an extra touch of flavor)

A bit of history:
Bread is a symbol of hospitality and unity. In many cultures, the preparation of bread is a ritual that involves not just ingredients but also feelings, memories, and even prayers. In this recipe, adding a prayer before starting the cooking process brings a personal and spiritual note, transforming each piece of bread into a true blessing.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by measuring all the ingredients. Make sure to use quality flour, as this is key to achieving a fluffy texture and excellent taste. White flour type 650 or 000 is ideal for this recipe.

2. Mixing dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the dry yeast and salt. If using fresh yeast, dissolve it first in 100 ml of lukewarm water before adding it to the flour.

3. Adding water:
Gradually add the remaining lukewarm water to the bowl, mixing vigorously with a spoon or by hand until the ingredients form a homogeneous mass. Avoid kneading the dough at this stage; the goal is to achieve a uniform mixture.

4. Creating a warm environment:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Allowing the dough to rise in a warm and humid environment will help the yeast do its job. Let it rise for 1 hour.

5. Kneading the dough:
After the first rise, the dough will be soft and sticky. I recommend sprinkling a little flour on the work surface and kneading the dough for about 5 minutes. This will develop the gluten and give the bread a better texture.

6. Second rise:
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it again, and let it rise for another hour. Now, the dough will be full of air bubbles and will have risen considerably.

7. Preheating the oven:
20 minutes before baking the bread, preheat the oven to 240-250°C. If using a pan or container that tends to stick, remember to line it with parchment paper or heat it in the oven so that it is hot when you add the dough.

8. Preparing for baking:
Grease the dough with melted butter or oil, as desired. If you want to add a savory note, you can sprinkle grated cheese on top. Using a spoon, turn the dough into the chosen baking container.

9. Baking:
Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes at 180°C. The bread is done when, if you tap the bottom lightly with your finger, it sounds hollow. If it’s not fully baked, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

10. Cooling and serving:
After the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. You can serve it plain, with butter, or alongside jams, cheese, or cold cuts. This homemade bread is also perfect for sandwiches or to accompany soups and stews.

Useful tips:
- If you want to keep the bread fresh longer, wrap it in aluminum foil or store it in a plastic bag.
- You can also experiment by adding herbs, seeds, or olives to the dough to create delicious variations.
- A serving suggestion would be to prepare a vegetable soup or a fresh salad to complement the meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What type of flour is best for bread?
White flour type 650 or 000 is ideal for achieving fluffy bread.
2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the temperature where the dough is rising is warm. A temperature that is too cold can slow down the fermentation process.
3. Can bread be frozen?
Yes, bread can be frozen. Slice it and place it in a freezer bag. When you want to consume it, thawing can be done easily at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Additionally, you can control the ingredients, reducing additives and preservatives found in store-bought bread. Whole flour can add even more fiber, benefiting digestion.

In conclusion, this homemade bread recipe is simple, quick, and full of satisfaction. Whether you use it for a delicious breakfast or as an accompaniment for a special dinner, this bread will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Bless the dough with positive thoughts and you will have a bread that not only is eaten but also feels truly special!