Homemade bread

Delicious homemade bread recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Homemade bread is a symbol of comfort and culinary tradition. Its fresh aroma and fluffy texture turn any meal into a special moment. This simple homemade bread recipe will quickly become your favorite, providing you with a perfect result every time. Plus, it's a great way to connect with the cooking process, giving you the satisfaction of enjoying bread made by you.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of wheat flour (type 650 is ideal for fluffier bread)
- 600 ml of lukewarm water (about 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 40 g of fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (optional, for decoration)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil (or other vegetable oil)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, except for the water which should be lukewarm. This will help the yeast activate better.

2. Mixing flour with salt: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. It is important that the salt does not come into direct contact with the yeast, as it can inhibit its activity.

3. Activating the yeast: In another container, dissolve the fresh yeast in the lukewarm water along with the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

4. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, followed by the yeast-water mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Kneading the dough: On a clean surface, knead the dough for 10-15 minutes. Add a little flour if it is too sticky. The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.

6. First rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in volume.

7. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it to release the air. Shape it into your desired form (baguette, round bread, or loaf).

8. Second rising: Place the bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, covered with a towel.

9. Preheating the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. To achieve a crispy crust, you can add a tray of water in the oven to create steam.

10. Baking: Finally, brush the bread with a little oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

11. Cooling and serving: Let the bread cool on a rack for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will allow steam to escape and keep the fluffy texture.

Serving suggestion: Homemade bread pairs perfectly with fresh butter, cheese, or as an accompaniment for soups and stews. You can also experiment with various herbs added to the dough, such as rosemary or thyme, to add extra flavor.

This homemade bread recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to play with the ingredients and create the perfect version for you and your loved ones. Enjoy every slice and cherish every moment spent in the kitchen!