Quick bread

Homemade Bread Easy to Make

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread, with a crispy crust and a soft crumb? This homemade bread recipe is perfect for those who want to venture into the art of baking without requiring advanced skills or complicated ingredients. You will find that with a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious bread that will impress everyone!

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 1 loaf

Ingredients:
- 200 g white flour
- 200 g whole wheat flour
- 200-250 ml lukewarm water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 8 g salt
- 7 g dry yeast
- 10 g sugar

The History of Homemade Bread

Bread is a staple food in many cultures throughout history. From the earliest recipes for bread baked on stones to today's more sophisticated baking techniques, it has evolved and been adapted over time. Homemade bread is a tradition that brings a sense of comfort and warmth to every household. Making it becomes a pleasant activity that helps you connect with family and friends, turning ordinary meals into special moments.

Step by step for perfect homemade bread:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the 200 g of white flour and the 200 g of whole wheat flour into a large bowl. This step is essential for aerating the flour and removing any lumps. Adding salt will help to even out the flavor and strengthen the gluten.

2. Preparing the yeast mixture: In the center of the flour, create a well and add the 7 g of dry yeast, 10 g of sugar, and 4 tablespoons of oil. These ingredients will activate the yeast, and the sugar will help speed up the fermentation process.

3. Adding the water: Gradually pour 200-250 ml of lukewarm water into the well. The water should not be hot, just lukewarm, so as not to kill the yeast. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until you obtain a sticky dough.

4. Kneading: Here comes the magic! Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. At first, it will be sticky, but continue to add a little flour until you achieve a compact and elastic dough. It is important not to add too much flour to avoid drying out the dough.

5. First rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a draft-free place for about 40 minutes. You will notice that the dough will double in volume due to the yeast fermentation.

6. Shaping the bread: After it has risen, remove the dough onto a floured surface. Gently push it to release the air, then shape it into a round loaf. Cover it with a cotton towel and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step will allow the gluten to relax, making baking more even.

7. Preparing the oven: While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the pan to prevent the bread from sticking.

8. Baking: After the dough has rested, place it in the prepared pan, sprinkle a little flour on top, and use a sharp knife to make a few light cuts on the surface of the bread. This will allow steam to escape and help form a crispy crust. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. You can check if it’s baked by performing a simple test: turn it upside down and gently tap the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it’s done!

9. Cooling: Once you have removed the bread from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain the crispy crust. Before slicing, wait for it to cool completely to keep the crumb soft and fluffy.

Useful tips:
- You can add different dried herbs or spices to the dough for a unique flavor. Try adding oregano, basil, or caraway seeds.
- If you want a bread with a more intense flavor, try using rye flour or oat flour in combination with white flour.
- Bread keeps well in an airtight container for a few days. You can freeze it for later use.
- A slice of fresh bread pairs perfectly with butter, jam, or cheese. It is also ideal for accompanying soups and salads.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Why didn't my bread rise?
Answer: Make sure the yeast is active. You can check this by mixing the yeast with lukewarm water and sugar; if bubbles form, it is active.

2. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
Answer: Another test is to insert a thermometer into the center of the bread; the optimal temperature should be around 90-95 degrees Celsius.

3. What can I do with leftover bread?
Answer: You can make croutons, bruschetta, or even a delicious bread pudding.

Combine this bread with a warm vegetable soup or a fresh salad for a perfect meal. You can enjoy a slice with a glass of white wine for an unforgettable culinary experience. Making this homemade bread will not only enrich your meals but also bring a personal and warm touch to every corner of your home. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the result of your labor!