White bread

White Bread Recipe: Flavor and Tradition in Every Slice

If you are looking for a simple and delicious white bread recipe, you have come to the right place! This soft bread, with a golden and fragrant crust, will fill your home with an irresistible aroma. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Plus, it offers a satisfying experience when you make it from scratch.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour (or until it doubles in volume)
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

- 500 g of white wheat flour (choose a high-quality flour for perfect texture)
- 150 ml of lukewarm water (ensure the temperature is between 37-40°C)
- 50 ml of lukewarm milk (you can also use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version)
- 10 g of dry yeast (the taste and volume of the bread depend on the quality of the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps the yeast to ferment faster)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for extra flavor and a softer texture)
- salt (about 1 teaspoon, but you can adjust to taste)

Step by Step

1. Activating the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with the lukewarm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Add a tablespoon of flour from the total amount. Stir gently and set aside for 10 minutes. You will notice that the yeast activates, forming a light foam on the surface.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour. This will help aerate the flour and make the dough fluffier. Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add salt and oil around the edge of the bowl. Start incorporating the flour into the yeast mixture, gradually adding lukewarm water until the dough begins to form.

3. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it; a wet dough will yield a fluffier bread.

4. Rising:
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts. Wait until the dough doubles in volume, which should take about 1 hour.

5. Shaping:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal parts and shape each part into a ball or loaf. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Second Rising:
Cover again with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 220°C.

7. Baking:
After the second rise, you can make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the bread to allow steam to escape. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cooling:
Once you take the bread out of the oven, let it cool on a rack. This will help maintain a crispy crust.

Practical Tips

- Flour: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, for varied flavors and textures.
- Rising: If you want a bread with a deeper flavor, you can let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight.
- Customization: Add dried herbs or seeds (such as sesame or poppy) to the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Serving: Serve the bread warm, spread with butter or as a base for delicious sandwiches. You can pair it with a warm soup or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Benefits

This white bread is a good source of carbohydrates, providing essential energy for an active day. It also contains proteins from milk and yeast, which contribute to the health of the immune and digestive systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used lukewarm water. A warm place is essential for rising.

2. Can I use cold water?
Cold water will slow down the yeast activation process, so it is recommended to use lukewarm water.

3. How do I keep the bread fresh?
Bread is best stored in a cloth bag or a plastic container at room temperature. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can make the bread dry.

Possible Variations

- Seed Bread: Add sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds to the mixture for added nutrients.
- Flavored Bread: Experiment with spices like garlic, dill, or oregano for a distinct flavor.

This white bread recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their cooking skills and enjoy freshly baked bread in the comfort of their home. Give it a try and enjoy every slice!