Homemade bread

Homemade Bread – A Classic and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Number of Servings: 10-12 slices

There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This homemade bread recipe is simple and accessible to anyone, even those without kitchen experience. Freshly baked bread is not only delicious but also a perfect way to bring the family together. Let’s discover together how to make this fluffy bread!

Ingredients for Homemade Bread

- 600 g wheat flour
- 400 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast

Nutritional Information

One slice of bread (approximately 50 g) contains:
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Wheat flour, dry yeast, salt, and sugar are essential for achieving fluffy bread. Use lukewarm water, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the flour, dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine. Then, gradually pour in the lukewarm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Once the water is incorporated, begin kneading the dough with your hands. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little flour, but avoid overdoing it. A dough that is too dry will not be fluffy.

Step 4: Rising the Dough

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shaping the Bread

After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it for 1-2 minutes to release the air. At this stage, you can choose to shape it in a special way: a simple loaf, a braided bread, or even a roll shape. Use your imagination!

Step 6: Baking the Bread

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the shaped dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise for another 15-20 minutes. After this period, put the tray in the oven and bake the bread for 40 minutes, until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the crust. Enjoy the bread warm, with butter or various spreads like jams, or alongside soups and salads.

Practical Tip

To achieve an even crispier crust, you can spray water in the oven during the first 10 minutes of baking or place a tray of water at the bottom of the oven. Also, experiment with adding sesame seeds, olives, or herbs to the dough for a unique flavor and aroma.

Recipe Variations

- Seed Bread: Add sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds to the dough for extra nutrients and texture.
- Herb Bread: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a refreshing flavor.
- Sweet Bread: Add a few tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon to the dough for a delicious sweet bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why isn’t my dough rising?
It could be due to old yeast or too low temperature. Make sure to use fresh yeast and let the dough rise in a warm place.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you need to adjust the amount of water since whole wheat flour absorbs more water. Start with the same amount of water and add gradually until you get a soft dough.

3. How do I keep the bread fresh longer?
Keep the bread in a paper bag or a bread box to maintain moisture. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this will dry the bread out.

Delicious Combinations

This homemade bread pairs perfectly with:
- Warm soups, like tomato soup or vegetable cream soup.
- Fresh salads, providing a crunchy and nourishing texture.
- Butter and jams or honey for a comforting breakfast.

Homemade bread is not just a staple food but also a cooking experience that brings joy to the heart. Start baking and turn every slice into a special moment. Enjoy!