Homemade Bread

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Can I add milk instead of water?
    • Yes, you can use milk instead of water for a richer flavor.
  3. How do I know if the yeast is active?
    • The yeast mixture should become foamy within 5-10 minutes if it’s active.
  4. What if the dough is too sticky?
    • Add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
  5. What if the dough is too dry?
    • Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the dough comes together.
  6. Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
    • Yes, most bread machines have settings for basic white bread. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  7. Can I add any other ingredients to the dough?
    • Yes, you can add herbs, spices, cheese, or even dried fruit to the dough.
  8. 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).
  9. Can I freeze the dough?
    • Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough before the second rise. Thaw completely before baking.
  10. 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.