Delicious Homemade Bread

This delightful homemade bread recipe is perfect for those who love fresh, warm bread straight from the oven. The process involves kneading a simple dough made from basic ingredients, including water, yeast, flour, sugar, salt, and oil. The dough is carefully prepared and allowed to rise twice, resulting in a beautifully airy loaf with a crunchy crust. This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions, making it easy for both beginners and experienced bakers to achieve perfect results. The bread is versatile enough to be a staple alongside any meal, or it can be enjoyed on its own with butter or jams. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a satisfying baking experience. Additionally, the tips and variations sections provide opportunities for creativity and dietary adjustments. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll find that store-bought bread just doesn't compare. Get ready to fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, and enjoy the compliments coming your way at meal times.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200 ml water
• 7 g fresh yeast or 1/2 tsp dry yeast
• 250 g flour
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 tbsp oil

Preparation Time

• Total time: 180 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water, then add salt and flour to create a dough. To ensure you don't add too much flour, periodically wash your hands in cold water and coat them lightly with oil.
2. Knead the dough thoroughly and patiently for around 20 minutes; the longer, the better to develop the gluten.
3. Place the well-kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
4. Once doubled, knead the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes, during which it should nearly double in size again.
5. Shape the dough into a round or oval form after the second rise. Use your fingertips to press down and create dimple marks on the surface.
6. Allow the shaped dough to rest under a towel for 20 minutes, letting it relax before baking.
7. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) in preparation for baking.
8. Before placing the bread in the oven, you can brush it with lightly beaten egg or moisten it using hands dipped in cold water for a glossy finish.
9. Bake the bread for approximately 20 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
10. Once baked, allow the bread to cool under a towel, maintaining its crispy crust and soft, airy interior.
11. Enjoy the bread warm for the ultimate taste experience.

Tips

• Knead thoroughly for better texture and structure.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
• If you don’t have fresh yeast, dry yeast works just as well.
• Experiment with herbs or seeds added to the dough for different flavors.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 150 per slice
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 2g
• Carbs: 28g

Variations

• For more flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a rich olive tapenade or garlic butter.
• Great paired with soup or salads.
• Perfect for making sandwiches.

Best Places

1. Breads Bakery - A New York favorite renowned for its babka and fresh bread. Location: Union Square, New York City, USA.
2. Poilâne - A historic bakery crafting sourdough since 1932. Location: Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
3. Hofpfisterei - Traditional German bakery offering rustic loaves. Location: Sendliger Straße, Munich, Germany.
4. Panadero di Eataly - Renowned for artisanal Italian bread. Location: 43 E Ohio St, Chicago, USA.
5. Gails Bakery - Celebrated for its delicious, freshly baked goods. Location: Hampstead, London, UK.
6. Forn Baluard - A Barcelona artisan bakery famous for its wood-fired bread. Location: Carrer de Baluard, Barcelona, Spain.
7. Tartine Bakery - Known for its signature sourdough. Location: Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
8. The Village Bakery - Offers a range of organic loaves. Location: Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester, UK.
9. Trattoria Tratorria - Famed for their handmade focaccia. Location: Piazza della Repubblica, Florence, Italy.
10. Baker D. Chirico - Specializes in slow-fermented bread. Location: Fitzroy St, St Kilda, Australia.