Breads

Homemade Fresh Bread Recipe

If you've ever felt the desire to savor a fresh, warm bread with a golden crust and a fluffy crumb, then this recipe is exactly what you need. It's a simple homemade bread recipe, perfect for beginners, as well as for those more experienced in cooking. It will guide you through the preparation process step by step, ensuring spectacular results every time.

Total preparation time: 3 hours (including rising time)
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 8 mini-breads

Ingredients:
- Approximately 400 g flour (the quality of the flour affects the texture and flavor of the bread)
- 1 tablespoon of dry yeast
- 1/2 tablespoon of salt
- 2 cubes of sugar
- Approximately 200 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 egg for brushing
- Honey (for glazing, optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, add 5 tablespoons of flour, dry yeast, salt, sugar, and 200 ml of lukewarm water. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Helpful tips: Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot; the ideal temperature is about 40-45°C. This will activate the yeast and help develop flavor.

2. Letting the starter rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes. You will notice that the starter begins to puff up and form bubbles.
- History of the starter: The starter is a symbol of traditional cooking, used for centuries to ferment dough. This natural leavening method gives the bread a distinct flavor and unique texture.

3. Mixing the dough: In a larger bowl, add approximately 300 g of flour. Add the prepared starter and mix well with a spoon until the ingredients are integrated.
- Tip: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can also add a little olive oil at this stage.

4. Kneading the dough: Start kneading the dough with your hands, adding a little flour until you achieve a soft but non-sticky dough. This process should take about 10 minutes.
- Kneading technique: Use your palms to push the dough, then fold it, repeating this process. This will develop the gluten, which will give the bread a fluffy texture.

5. Letting the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, lightly oil it, and cover it again. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
- Suggestion: You can place the dough in the turned-off oven with a cup of hot water to maintain humidity.

6. Shaping the mini-breads: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. You can form round mini-breads or shape them as desired. Each piece of dough can be braided to create a more special bread.
- Variations: Add sesame or poppy seeds on top for a more interesting look and taste.

7. Preparing for baking: Place the mini-breads on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust during baking.
- Shine tip: You can add a little water to the tray before placing the breads in the oven to create steam, which will help form a crispy crust.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (medium heat) and bake the breads for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and sound hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.
- Baking test: Give a light tap on the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it is baked.

9. Glazing: After removing them from the oven, you can brush them with a little honey for a sweet taste and beautiful shine.
- Serving suggestion: Serve these mini-breads warm, alongside butter, jam, or cheese. They can be a perfect accompaniment to soups or salads.

Nutritional information: One serving of this bread contains approximately 120-150 calories, depending on the size of the mini-bread and the added ingredients. It is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, as well as a small dose of protein from the flour.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast. Use about 3-4 grams of fresh yeast.
- How do I keep the bread fresh? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to prevent mold.
- What other ingredients can I add? Experiment with dried herbs, olives, or nuts to give your bread a different flavor.

This homemade fresh bread recipe is not only a great way to satisfy your bread cravings but also a delightful activity you can do with loved ones. So, get ready to enjoy the unmistakable aroma and taste of homemade bread!