Round homemade bread

Homemade Round Bread – A fragrant and comforting delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort. This simple recipe for homemade round bread will not only fill your kitchen with a delicious smell, but it will also add flavor to your meals. Homemade bread is a symbol of culinary tradition, and the process of making it can be a joyful and satisfying activity. Let’s begin this culinary journey step by step!

Ingredients:
- 400 g white wheat flour
- 250 ml lukewarm water (about 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons oil (2 tablespoons sunflower oil and 2 tablespoons olive oil)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It is important that the water is lukewarm, as the optimal temperature activates the yeast and contributes to effective rising. If you use water that is too hot, you risk killing the yeast, and if it is too cold, it will not activate properly.

2. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step helps to aerate the flour, which will contribute to a fluffy bread. Add the dry yeast and mix well. This mixture will become the base for your dough.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the sugar, salt, and oil. The oil will provide a richer taste and a softer texture to the bread. As you start adding the lukewarm water, mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands until everything is combined.

4. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Kneading is essential for gluten development, which will give the bread its structure. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 45 minutes. The dough should double in volume, a sign that the yeast is doing its job.

6. Shaping the bread: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and transfer the dough. Gently press it to release the air and shape it into a round ball. This shaping helps achieve an even crust.

7. Second rising: Place the bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it again with a damp towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

8. Preparing for baking: Before placing the bread in the oven, make a few shallow cross cuts on its surface. These cuts not only add an aesthetic touch but also help release steam during baking. Sprinkle a little flour on top for a rustic look.

9. Baking the bread: Place the tray in the oven. If you want a crispy crust, place a pan with water at the bottom of the oven to create steam. Bake the bread for 30 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

10. Cooling: After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a rack. This step is important to prevent the inside from becoming damp. Warm bread is delicious, but wait a few minutes before slicing it to avoid squishing.

Practical tips:
- Variations of the recipe: You can add dried herbs (such as rosemary or oregano) to the dough for extra flavor. Additionally, adding seeds (like sesame or poppy seeds) on top of the bread adds texture and taste.
- Bread with different flours: Experiment with whole wheat flour or other types of flour (such as rye flour) to achieve a bread with a different taste and texture.
- Storing the bread: Homemade bread can be kept wrapped in a clean towel or in a plastic container for a few days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade bread, made with simple ingredients, provides a good source of carbohydrates, making it a healthier option than commercial baked goods that contain additives and preservatives. The added olive oil brings healthy fatty acids, and salt, in moderation, is essential for flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast. Use about 20 g of fresh yeast, dissolved in lukewarm water.
- Why isn’t my bread rising? Check if the yeast is fresh and if the water used is at the correct temperature. Also, make sure the dough is left to rise in a warm place.
- How can I improve the texture of the bread? Proper kneading and sufficient rising are key to fluffy bread. Experiment with kneading and rising times to find the perfect balance.

The homemade round bread recipe is an excellent choice to savor the simple moments of life. Served warm, with butter or jam, it is perfect for a comforting breakfast. It also pairs wonderfully with warm soups or baked dishes. Create your own culinary memories and enjoy every slice of freshly baked bread!