Plain bread

Twisted Bread Recipe – A Homemade Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 2 loaves

Welcome to the fascinating world of baking! Today, I will guide you step by step in making a delicious and fluffy bread that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. Twisted bread is a symbol of culinary tradition, often associated with festive moments, but it can be enjoyed anytime. This simple yet charming recipe will help you create perfect bread with a golden crust and a fluffy crumb.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of wheat flour (choose a quality flour with a good gluten content for an elastic texture)
- 500-600 ml of lukewarm water (the water should be lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it)
- 50 g of fresh yeast (or 20 g of dry yeast if fresh yeast is not available)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (salt is essential for flavor and for strengthening the dough)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (sugar will help the yeast ferment better)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (oil will give flexibility to the dough)

Step by step for perfect bread:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast, sugar, and 150 ml of lukewarm water. Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on top and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. You will notice the yeast starting to bubble, a sign that it is active and ready to use.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, put the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast, salt, and olive oil. Start incorporating the flour from the edges towards the center, gradually adding the rest of the lukewarm water. It is important to adjust the amount of water according to how moist the flour is – we want a non-sticky but fluffy dough.

3. Kneading: Once you have a homogeneous dough, transfer it to a floured work surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the moment when you can put all your passion and energy into kneading!

4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Put it in a warm place and let it rise until it doubles in volume, about an hour. This is the time when the dough transforms, and you can relax, perhaps thinking about your favorite way to serve this bread.

5. Shaping the rolls: After the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal parts. Shape each part into a long roll. Then, braid three rolls to form one loaf and repeat the process with the other three rolls. The braiding not only looks beautiful but also helps with even baking.

6. Second rising: Place the braided loaves in a greased baking tray and lined with flour or parchment paper. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180-200°C. Before putting them in the oven, you can make a light cut on the edge of each loaf to allow steam to escape. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and sound hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom.

8. Cooling: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and spray a little lukewarm water on them. Cover them with a cotton towel to keep them soft. It is important not to cut them while they are hot, as they may spoil. Wait for them to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:

Twisted bread can be enjoyed plain, with butter and jam, or used for delicious sandwiches. It also pairs wonderfully with a warm soup or even a platter of cheeses and cold cuts.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

2. How do I know if the bread is baked?
You can do the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean from the bread's crumb, then it is ready. It should also have a golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

3. How can I keep the bread fresh?
The bread is best kept in a cloth bag or a bread box. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as it will dry out faster.

Nutritional benefits:

This bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. Wheat flour contains fiber, essential for digestive health, and olive oil adds healthy fatty acids. So, it is not only tasty but also nutritious!

Now that you have all the necessary information and detailed steps, you are ready to put your cooking skills into practice. Remember, cooking with love makes every recipe special. Perhaps while kneading the dough, inspiration will strike you to create other delicacies. Enjoy your meal!