Homemade bread

Homemade bread is more than just a simple food; it is a symbol of comfort and tradition. Think of the inviting aroma that fills the house while the dough rises, the fluffy texture, and the fresh taste. This simple bread recipe will teach you how to make a delicious baked product using basic ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques. Let’s embark together on the fascinating world of home baking!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of white flour (preferably type 000 or 550)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 6 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- 600 ml of warm water (about 38-40°C)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar

Necessary utensils:
- A large bowl for kneading
- A spatula or knife for mixing
- A bread pan
- A clean towel
- Oven

Step by step:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast cube with a teaspoon of sugar and 100 ml of warm water. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt, which helps develop the flavor of the bread.

3. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture, along with 500 ml of warm water and the sunflower oil. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until the dough begins to come together.

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. A good technique is to press the dough with your palms, fold it, and turn it. With a bit of practice, you will achieve the perfect consistency!

5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

6. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, gently press it to release the air. Place it on a lightly floured surface and fold it several times. Shape it into a cylinder and place it in a greased and floured bread pan. Let it relax for 10 minutes.

7. Second rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again, this time for 10-15 minutes, until it reaches the edge of the pan.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 45-60 minutes until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Another trick is to use a kitchen thermometer; the bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 90°C.

9. Cooling: After baking, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a rack. This step is important to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soft.

Serving suggestions:
Freshly baked bread is delicious enjoyed warm, with butter or olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. You can also use it to make sandwiches, avocado toast, or to accompany soups and stews. Add some dried herbs to the dough, such as oregano or rosemary, for an extra touch of flavor!

Possible variations:
You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, to achieve a bread with a different taste and a more rustic texture. Additionally, adding seeds (such as sesame, flax, or pumpkin) will provide a pleasant crunch and added nutritional benefits.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread is an excellent choice because you can control the ingredients. Whole flour adds fiber, and sunflower oil provides essential fatty acids. This recipe offers about 200 calories per slice, depending on portioning.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use 7 g of dry yeast for this recipe.

2. How can I tell if the bread is done?
It is done when it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A kitchen thermometer is a useful tool to check the internal temperature.

3. How do I keep the bread fresh?
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Homemade bread is not just food, but an experience. Start this culinary journey with family and friends, and you will discover the joy and satisfaction of eating something made with your own hands. Enjoy!