Homemade white bread

Homemade White Bread - A Delicacy Made with Love

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large loaves

When the weather cools down and the air becomes brisk, there is nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread. This homemade white bread recipe is a perfect choice to fill your home with an irresistible aroma and bring warmth to the hearts of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it with butter and jam for breakfast or use it to make delicious sandwiches, homemade bread holds a special place in the heart of every family.

The Magic Ingredients

To achieve a fluffy and tasty white bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 kg high-quality white flour (choose a flour with high gluten content for better texture)
- 50 g fresh yeast (make sure it is fresh for optimal rising)
- 400 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 150 ml natural yogurt (adds a hint of acidity and helps achieve a finer crust)
- 2 large eggs (adds richness to the dough)
- 2 and a half teaspoons of sea salt (salt is essential for flavor and for controlling the fermentation process)
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 egg yolk for a shiny appearance

Preparation Technique - Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This process helps aerate the flour and removes any lumps. Make a well in the center of the flour, like a small crater. Here you will add the freshly liquefied yeast. Dissolve the yeast in 10 ml of lukewarm water from the total of 400 ml and add a tablespoon of brown sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms – this is a sign that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

On the edge of the flour, add the salt and eggs. It is important not to put the salt directly over the yeast, as it can inhibit the yeast's activity. Gradually add the yogurt and lukewarm water, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough begins to form. Once the ingredients are well incorporated, start kneading the dough. Kneading should take about 10-15 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and easy to handle.

Step 3: Letting the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in volume. While you wait, you can think about which version you prefer: simple white bread or perhaps a version with sesame or poppy seeds?

Step 4: Shaping the Bread

After the dough has risen, fold it three times to release the accumulated air. Place it in the prepared mold. If you opt for a smaller loaf pan, you may need to make two loaves. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This is the stage where the dough will become fluffy again.

Step 5: Baking the Bread

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Before placing the bread in the oven, brush it with the egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the large loaf for 45-50 minutes or the two loaves for 30-35 minutes, until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

After baking, remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. It is essential to let the bread cool completely before slicing it, otherwise you risk getting a wet texture.

Homemade bread cannot be compared to anything from the store – its fluffy texture and irresistible aroma make it a delight. You can serve it plain, with butter, or as a base for delicious sandwiches.

Practical Tips and Tricks

- Flour: Choose type 00 flour or organic flour for the best results.
- Yeast: If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast (about 15 g).
- Scoring: Score the dough deeply, as this helps with even expansion during baking.
- Humidity: If you want a crunchier crust, add a pan of water in the oven to create steam during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my dough not rising? Make sure the yeast is fresh and has been activated properly.
2. Can I use another type of yogurt? Yes, but natural yogurt gives the best results in terms of texture and flavor.
3. How do I know when the bread is baked? If it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, it is done.

Possible Variations

- Herb Bread: Add aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Seed Bread: Sprinkle sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds on top before baking.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier taste and additional nutritional benefits.

Nutritional Benefits

Homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and micronutrients from eggs and yogurt. Carefully chosen white flour can provide quick energy, while yogurt brings beneficial probiotics for digestion.

In conclusion, making homemade white bread is a fulfilling activity that can bring joy not only in the kitchen but also to festive tables. Don't hesitate to experiment and adapt the recipe to your tastes and preferences. Freshly baked bread is a gift that cannot be compared to anything else, so get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicacy!