This recipe provides a basic guide for making delicious homemade bread. The process may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be enjoying the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread in no time.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1-2 hours
- Bake Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) Warm water (105°F / 40°C)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) Granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active dry yeast (about 8g)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) Olive oil
- 3 cups (350g) All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Salt
- 1 tablespoon (15g) White sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon (15g) Black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture.
- Knead Dough: Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Bread:
- For loaves: Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased loaf pans.
- For rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12-15 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves or rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- For loaves: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190-200°F.
- For rolls: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the bread or rolls cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with butter and jam.
- Enjoy with soups, stews, or salads.
- Use for sandwiches or toast.
Cooking Tips:
- For enriched bread, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the dough.
- Add herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking for added texture.
- For softer bread, let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Good source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Provides some protein and fiber.
- Contains B vitamins.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Can be made vegan by omitting honey (if used).
Nutritional Facts (per slice – approximate):
- Calories: 70-80
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Fiber: 1-2g
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Satisfying and rewarding to make.
- The aroma of freshly baked bread is unbeatable.
- Customizable with different flours, add-ins, and shaping techniques.
- A great way to enjoy homemade baked goods.
Conclusion:
Baking your own bread is a rewarding experience. This basic recipe provides a foundation for you to experiment and create delicious loaves and rolls. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of your homemade bread!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a chewier loaf.
- Can I add milk instead of water?
- Yes, you can use milk instead of water for a richer flavor.
- How do I know if the yeast is active?
- The yeast mixture should become foamy within 5-10 minutes if it’s active.
- What if the dough is too sticky?
- Add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
- What if the dough is too dry?
- Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the dough comes together.
- Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
- Yes, most bread machines have settings for basic white bread. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Can I add any other ingredients to the dough?
- Yes, you can add herbs, spices, cheese, or even dried fruit to the dough.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking?
- Tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough before the second rise. Thaw completely before baking.
- What if the bread doesn’t rise properly?
- Make sure the yeast is active and the water is lukewarm. Also, avoid drafts while the dough is rising.