Bread

Homemade Bread Recipe: A Simple and Satisfying Delight

Who doesn't love the fresh smell of bread filling the house? It's an experience that reminds us of warm moments spent with loved ones. This bread recipe is one of the simplest and most delicious I've ever tried. Passed down from someone very dear to me, Mariana, it brings me joy not only through its taste but also through the memories surrounding it. Let's get to work and discover together how we can create this delight at home!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 12-24 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g flour (ideally type 650)
- 350 ml warm water (not hot)
- 12.5 g fresh yeast (about 1/2 cube)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or another vegetable oil)

Preparing the Bread:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour twice into a large bowl. This step not only removes any impurities but also helps aerate the flour, making the bread fluffier.

2. Preparing the liquid: In another bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in warm water. Add the sugar and mix well. The sugar helps activate the yeast, so don't skip this ingredient. Once the yeast is fully dissolved, add the oil and mix again.

3. Forming the dough: Pour the yeast and water mixture over the flour. Add the salt and mix everything together. You will get a slightly sticky but soft dough. Don't worry; this is perfect!

4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in the fridge for 12-24 hours. This step is essential, as slow fermentation will develop complex flavors and a wonderful texture.

5. Shaping the bread: After the resting time has passed, take the dough out of the fridge and place it on a floured work surface. Gently knead it to bring it out of its resting state. You can shape it round or elongated, depending on your preferences and the baking vessel you will use.

6. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Meanwhile, let the dough sit at room temperature to relax.

7. Baking the bread: Take an enameled pot with a lid (ideally a cast-iron pot) and place it in the oven to heat. After a few minutes, take the hot pot out and place the dough inside. Cover it with the lid and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the lid and let the bread brown for another 5-10 minutes.

8. Cooling: After baking, take the bread out of the pot and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is important to prevent condensation and maintain a crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions:

Freshly baked bread is delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with butter, jams, cheeses, or even with olive oil mixed with herbs. If you want to impress your guests, you can prepare a platter with various cheeses and cold cuts to accompany this wonderful bread.

Variations and Tips:

- Whole wheat flour: If you want a healthier version, you can replace up to 50% of the white flour with whole wheat flour.
- Herbs and spices: Add aromatic herbs like rosemary or basil to the dough for extra flavor.
- Seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top of the bread before baking for an attractive look and added texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 150-200
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but the amount will be different. Replace 12.5 g of fresh yeast with about 4 g (1 teaspoon) of dry yeast.

2. Why should I leave the dough in the fridge? Slow fermentation in the fridge develops more complex flavors and a better texture.

3. How do I know when the bread is done? The bread is done when it is nicely browned, and the sound it makes when you tap the bottom is hollow.

Enjoy this simple and delicious homemade bread recipe! It's a perfect way to delight your family and friends with a fresh delicacy made with love. Enjoy your meal, and remember, each slice of bread brings with it stories and unforgettable moments!