Easy to make bread

Fresh Homemade Bread - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12 slices

History and Inspiration

Bread is one of humanity's oldest foods, with a history spanning thousands of years. Each culture has made a unique contribution to the art of baking, and today, making homemade bread remains a satisfying activity and an act of love. Whether you enjoy it warm, spread with butter, or use it as a base for sandwiches, it is essential in many meals. Moreover, nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, reminding you of moments spent with family.

Ingredients

- 1 kg of white wheat flour (ideal for bread)
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil (or another preferred oil)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 40 g of fresh yeast (or 14 g of dry yeast)
- 400 ml of lukewarm water (about 37-40°C)
- 200 ml of lukewarm milk (about 37-40°C)

Ingredient Details

Flour: Choose a quality flour, preferably type 650, which will provide a light and fluffy texture.

Yeast: Fresh yeast is ideal for this recipe, but if you don't have it on hand, dry yeast works excellently. Just use a third of the amount.

Oil: Olive oil not only enhances the flavor but helps retain moisture in the bread, giving it a crispy crust and a soft crumb.

Milk: Milk adds extra richness and a pleasant flavor, but can be replaced with water or plant-based milk if you prefer a vegan option.

Step by Step for Perfect Bread

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step not only removes impurities but also aerates the flour, helping achieve a light texture.

2. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the lukewarm milk. Add the teaspoon of sugar, which will feed the yeast and help it ferment faster. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it starts to foam.

3. Meanwhile, dissolve the salt in the lukewarm water. It is important not to add the salt directly over the yeast, as it can inhibit the yeast's activity.

4. Once the yeast has activated, add 100-150 g of the sifted flour to the yeast and milk mixture. Mix well to form a smooth paste.

5. In the bowl with flour, make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, the salted water, and the olive oil. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything until the dough starts to form.

6. Now it’s time to knead the dough. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. A useful trick: if the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it, as bread that is too dry won’t rise well.

7. Once you have kneaded the dough, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

8. After the dough has risen, place it back on the work surface and shape it into a round form. You can also shape it into long bread loaves, depending on your preference.

9. Use a sharp knife to make a few decorative slashes on the surface of the bread. These will not only help the bread bake evenly but will also add a rustic, attractive look.

10. Place the bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or sprinkled with flour. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

11. Preheat the oven to 220°C (with ventilation) or 240°C without ventilation. Once the bread has risen, you can place it in the oven. Bake for about 40-60 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

12. Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a rack to cool. Cover it with a clean towel to retain moisture. There is a lovely tradition that says it is good to make a cross with your hand over the bread before baking it, a gesture of gratitude and blessing.

Serving and Variations

This bread is perfect served warm, with butter or fresh cheese, or as a base for delicious sandwiches. You can combine it with soups, stews, or salads for a complete and healthy meal. Additionally, you can experiment with various herbs added to the dough, such as rosemary, marjoram, or basil, for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why isn’t my dough rising?
There are several reasons why the dough may not rise. Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. Also, the temperature of the environment where you let the dough rise is very important; warm places are best.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it is recommended to mix it with some white flour to achieve a fluffier texture.

3. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
A simple trick: gently tap the bread on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it is baked.

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing you with long-lasting energy. It is also low in additives and preservatives, making it a healthier option compared to store-bought baked goods. Olive oil adds healthy fats, and milk enriches the recipe with proteins and calcium.

In conclusion, making this homemade bread is not just a culinary process but also a delightful experience that will bring smiles and unforgettable moments with family. Don’t forget to enjoy every step and experiment with your favorite ingredients! Start today to treat your loved ones with this simple yet amazing recipe and turn every meal into a celebration.

 Ingredients: 1kg of flour, 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 40g of fresh yeast, 400ml of warm water, 200ml of warm milk