Have you ever dreamed of baking bread that’s so soft and airy it feels like a cloud in your mouth? Well, dream no more! This recipe unlocks the secret to achieving that perfect texture, and it’s surprisingly simple. The key ingredient? Not just warm milk, but the addition of warm water alongside it!
Warm water plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bread environment. It helps activate the yeast for a successful rise, but more importantly, it creates steam during baking. This steam helps the bread rise even higher and contributes to that incredibly light and fluffy texture we all love.
This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced bread lovers alike. It’s easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and yields two delicious loaves of bread.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml warm milk (around 105°F / 40°C)
- 200 ml warm water (around 105°F / 40°C) – The Secret Ingredient!
- 50 gr sugar
- 10 gr dry yeast
- 600 gr wheat flour
- 5 gr salt
- Vegetable oil, for greasing
- Milk, for brushing
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy and active.
- Develop the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with vegetable oil. Place the kneaded dough in the greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope or tube, shaping them to your desired thickness for the final loaves.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolled dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat and Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup (optional).
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the risen dough with milk. For an extra touch, you can optionally sprinkle the tops with flour or sesame seeds, or use a sharp knife to gently score lines along the top of the loaves. Bake the bread for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the baked bread cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
More Information:
- Feel free to get creative with the shaping! You can braid the ropes of dough, form them into rolls, or even shape them into round buns.
- If you don’t have warm water readily available, you can heat up cold water in the microwave for short bursts until it reaches the desired temperature (around 105°F / 40°C). Be careful not to overheat the water, as it can kill the yeast.
- This recipe can be easily adapted to use a stand mixer for kneading the dough. Just be sure to knead for the same amount of time (10 minutes) to achieve the proper dough development.
Conclusion:
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants to bake incredibly soft and fluffy bread. The addition of warm water is a simple yet effective trick that yields amazing results. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious taste and texture of cloud-like bread!