This traditional homemade bread is great for both new and experienced bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a light and airy bread with a crispy, golden crust. You can eat it fresh out of the oven or let it cool to room temperature. It’s great for sandwiches, toast, or just a plain slice with butter.
Ingredients:
- Time to get ready.
- Time needed to prepare: 20 minutes
- Time to cook: 25-30 minutes
- Break duration: 2-3 hours
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- List of items needed to make a recipe.
- Hot water: 1 and a half cups (370 milliliters)
- Yeast in powder form: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
- Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
- Salt: 1 tsp
PREPARATION:
- Make the Yeast Work:
- In a big bowl, mix together lukewarm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g). Stir softly and leave it for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is completely dissolved and bubbly.
- Make the dough:
- Put 500 grams of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a lumpy dough is made.
- Work the dough by kneading it.
- Move the dough to a surface with a little flour and work it by hand for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and stretchy. If the dough is too wet, put in a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time.
- Beginning:
- Put the dough in a clean bowl with a little oil, cover it with a wet cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Form the dough.
- Press the dough that has risen to remove any air bubbles. Form the dough into a loaf or the shape you want, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan that has been greased.
- Second Rise: A New Beginning
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it grow for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the bread.
- Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) before using it. Cook the bread in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is a golden brown color and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
- Chill and serve:
- Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before cutting it. Enjoy your freshly baked bread either warm or at room temperature!
- Advice:
- To make the crust softer, apply melted butter on top of the bread after it is baked.
- Include seeds or herbs in the dough for more taste.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe:
- Simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
- Great for people who are just starting.
- Smooth and fluffy inside with a crunchy outer layer.
- Suitable for various kinds of bread.
- Commonly Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use quick-rise yeast. If you use instant yeast, you don’t need to activate it separately. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
- How can I tell if my yeast is still good to use?
- To see if your yeast is working, combine it with lukewarm water and a little bit of sugar. If it gets bubbly within 5-10 minutes, it is ready to use. If not, it might be old, and you should use a new batch.
- Can I prepare this bread without gluten?
- Yes, but you will have to use a gluten-free flour mix that works well for making bread. Doughs without gluten may require special care and more time to rise, so make sure to adjust as needed.
- How can I make the outer layer less hard?
- To make the bread crust softer, you can either brush melted butter on top or cover it with a clean, damp cloth right after baking.
