Ingredients

• Rice: 200 g (uncooked)
• Water: 110 g (warm, around 37°C or 98°F)
• Sugar: 10 g
• Salt: 2 g
• Cooking oil: 10 g (vegetable or any neutral oil)
• Yeast: 3 g (instant yeast or active dry yeast)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Cook the rice: Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Place the 200 g of rice in a pot with double the amount of water (about 400 ml). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the water (about 15-20 minutes). The rice should be soft and slightly sticky.
2. Cool the rice: Once the rice is fully cooked, let it cool to room temperature. This step is important because if the rice is too hot, it can kill the yeast when mixed in later.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

1. Dissolve the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the 3 g of yeast with the warm water (110 g). Add the 10 g of sugar and stir well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
   • Note: If you are using instant yeast, you can skip this activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 g of salt and 200 g of cooked rice. Use your hands or a fork to mash the rice slightly, breaking it down into smaller pieces, but it doesn’t need to be fully pureed.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the rice. Add 10 g of cooking oil and mix everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough. The dough may not look like traditional wheat-based dough, but it should come together nicely.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

1. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (you can use rice flour if avoiding gluten) and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on top, but avoid adding too much flour to keep the bread soft and tender.

Step 5: First Rise

1. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a clean, greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
   • Tip: If you live in a colder climate, you can place the dough in a warm oven (around 30°C/85°F) to help the yeast work more effectively.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

1. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any excess air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface again, and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare for second rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking tray if making rolls. Cover it again with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up slightly.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the bread: Once the dough has finished rising, place the loaf or rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If making rolls, they will likely bake faster, so check them around the 20-minute mark.
3. Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the bread to firm up and makes slicing easier.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy it warm with butter, honey, or any topping of your choice. This rice bread also works wonderfully as a base for sandwiches or toast.

Cooking Tips

• Use leftover rice: If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, you can use it to make this bread. Just make sure it’s not too dry; if it is, you can sprinkle a little water over it to moisten it before using.
• Rice variety: You can use any variety of rice for this recipe—white, brown, jasmine, or basmati. Each type of rice will give the bread a slightly different flavor and texture, with brown rice adding a nuttier taste and extra fiber.
• Don’t skip the yeast activation: If you’re using active dry yeast, don’t skip the activation step. It’s important to dissolve the yeast in warm water with sugar to ensure it’s working before adding it to the dough.
• Experiment with add-ins: You can enhance the flavor of this bread by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like garlic or cumin, or even seeds like sesame or flax.

Storage

• Room temperature: Once the bread is fully cooled, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Toast it lightly before serving to bring back some of its freshness.
• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the bread at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   • Yes, this bread is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice and rice flour for dusting. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like yeast, are certified gluten-free.
2. Why is my dough sticky?
   • Rice dough tends to be stickier than wheat-based dough due to the moisture content of the rice. You can lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much extra flour, as it can make the bread dense.
3. Can I substitute sugar with another sweetener?
   • Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Just be mindful that liquid sweeteners may slightly affect the dough’s texture.
4. What can I pair with rice bread?
   • Rice bread pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Try it with butter and honey, avocado, eggs, or even as a base for sandwiches with cheese, meats, or vegetables.
5. Why didn’t my bread rise?
   • If your bread didn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast, incorrect water temperature (too hot or cold), or a cold environment for rising. Make sure to use fresh yeast and let the dough rise in a warm place.

Conclusion

Yeasted rice bread is a unique, soft, and flavorful bread that offers a perfect alternative to traditional wheat-based loaves. With its mildly sweet taste, soft crumb, and crispy crust, it’s a versatile option for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter and honey. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with various flavors and spices to suit your preference. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a new bread recipe to try, this yeasted rice bread is sure to be a hit! Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or store it for later—it’s delicious either way.