Fluffy white bread

Fluffy White Homemade Bread: The Perfect Recipe for Cozy Moments

Who doesn't love the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked bread? This fluffy white bread recipe will remind you of the taste and texture of homemade bread, with a crispy crust and soft crumb, perfect for enjoying alongside various dishes. Whether you serve it with butter, cheese, or even alongside soups and broths, this bread will quickly become your favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 3 hours
Number of servings: approximately 7 loaves

Ingredients:
- 2 kg white flour (type 000 flour is ideal for a fine texture)
- 100 g fresh yeast
- 1200 ml lukewarm water (approximately 37-40°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 50 ml oil (approximately half a glass)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 50 ml lukewarm milk (approximately half a glass)

Preparing the starter:
1. In a small bowl, mash the yeast with the sugar until it completely dissolves. This will activate the yeast, facilitating effective rising.
2. Add 5 tablespoons of flour and the lukewarm milk, mixing well with a spoon. Ensure there are no lumps!
3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes. You will notice the starter beginning to grow and bubble, a sign that the yeast is working.

Preparing the dough:
1. In a large bowl, place the remaining flour. Make a well in the center and add the risen starter, salt, oil, and lukewarm water.
2. Start mixing the ingredients with a spoon, then switch to kneading with your hands. The dough should be elastic and not stick to your hands. This process may take about 30 minutes, but it is essential for achieving fluffy bread.
3. An effective technique is to "slam" the dough in the bowl, as is done with cake dough, to aerate and lighten it.

Let the dough rise:
1. Once the dough is well-kneaded, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours. It should double in volume.

Shaping the loaves:
1. After the dough has risen, grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. You can use a smaller tray to make a separate loaf if desired.
2. Divide the dough into 7 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place them in the tray, leaving enough space between them to rise.
3. Let them rise in the tray for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.

Baking the bread:
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. It's important to have a pot of water on the bottom rack of the oven to achieve a softer crust.
2. Bake the bread at 160°C for 20 minutes, then raise the temperature to 180°C and let it bake for another 40 minutes. You will know the bread is done when it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

Finishing and serving:
1. After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This allows the steam to escape, keeping the crust crispy.
2. I recommend serving it warm, with butter, cheese, or alongside a delicious soup. You can slice it and use it for sandwiches with various fillings, from meats and vegetables to a breakfast with jam.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is not too hot; otherwise, the yeast will be destroyed. The ideal temperature is lukewarm, not hot.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour.
- The bread can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days but can also be frozen for later use.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need about 30-40 g. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. What should I do if the bread doesn’t rise enough?
Ensure that the yeast is activated correctly and that you let the dough rise in a warm place. If it’s too cold, the dough may not rise well.

3. How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it is golden on the outside and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. You can also check with a cooking thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 90°C.

This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also enrich you with beautiful memories of cooking at home. Enjoy every moment and savor your fluffy bread!

 Ingredients: 2 kg of white flour (I used flour 000) 100 g of fresh yeast 1200 ml of warm water 2 tablespoons of sugar half a glass of oil (50 ml) 2 tablespoons of salt half a glass of warm milk (50 ml)

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