Homemade Bread (simple recipe)

Homemade Bread – Simple and Delicious Recipe

Welcome to the world of baking, filled with aromas and textures! Today, I will share with you an enticing recipe for homemade bread, a simple recipe that will bring a smile to your face and a delightful scent throughout your home. Homemade bread is more than just food; it is an art, a tradition, and a way to bring the family together. Over time, people have found joy in kneading and baking bread, and today you will learn to create this miracle in your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 slices

Ingredients you need:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffier texture)
- 1/2 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 21 g)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for flavor)

Steps to follow:

1. Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the teaspoon of sugar. Add 100 ml of lukewarm water and mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. This mixture will activate the yeast, helping the dough rise.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. It is important to sift the flour as it helps aerate it and achieve a fluffier bread.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Once the yeast has foamed and activated (about 5-10 minutes), pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour. Add the remaining warm water and the 3 tablespoons of oil. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous mixture, similar to pancake batter.

4. Knead the dough: At this step, it’s time for a bit of effort! Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface and knead for about 15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the bread will become dense.

5. First rising: Place the dough in a clean bowl greased with a little oil, and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for one hour or until it doubles in volume. You can place it in a warm spot, like near a radiator, to speed up the process.

6. Shape the bread: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Gently knead it to release the air and shape it into a ball or an elongated loaf, depending on your preference. Place it in a greased baking tray dusted with a little flour.

7. Second rising: Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This will make it even fluffier.

8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake the bread at a low temperature for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 200°C and continue baking for 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

9. Cooling: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean towel to retain moisture, allowing it to cool for 2 hours. This step is essential for achieving a soft crust and fluffy crumb.

Practical tips:
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results. Flour can be of different types, but white wheat flour is ideal for homemade bread.
- Checking yeast freshness: If you are unsure about the yeast's freshness, you can test it: if bubbles form after mixing with water and sugar within 10 minutes, it is good to use.
- Variations: You can add dried herbs, garlic, or olives to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour or other types of flour for a healthier bread.
- Serving: Homemade bread pairs perfectly with butter, jams, or cheeses. You can prepare a platter with cheeses and fresh fruits for a delicious brunch.

Nutritional benefits: Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustainable energy. By adding ingredients such as seeds or whole grains, you can enhance the fiber and nutrient content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why does bread dry out? Bread can dry out if exposed to air. It is best to store it in an airtight container or wrapped in a towel.
- How do I know when the bread is baked? You can check if the bread is baked by tapping lightly on the bottom: if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put this simple homemade bread recipe into practice. Enjoy making it and the delicious aroma that will fill your home! It can easily become your favorite bread recipe that you will want to make again and again. Happy baking!