Homemade Aromatic Bread

This delightful homemade bread will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. It's a simple yet gratifying process that allows you to create something special from just a few basic ingredients. The bread's texture is both crusty and porous, perfect for pairing with your favorite spreads or dips. With its artisanal appearance and rich flavor, you'll find it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Ideal for warming up your home during cooler months, this bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Not only does this recipe allow you to connect with traditional bread-making techniques, but it also encourages creativity in shaping and finishing your loaf. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a feast, this bread will surely impress. The following steps will guide you through the process of making this delightful treat, with informative tips and variations to suit your needs. Here's how you can bring this exceptional loaf to life in your own kitchen!

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: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water, adding the salt and flour afterward. Knead the dough, periodically washing your hands with cold water and greasing them lightly with oil. Knead thoroughly for about 20 minutes.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm place for an hour to allow it to double in size.
After an hour, knead the dough again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes. The dough will double in size once more.
Knead the dough again and shape it into a round or oval form. Use your fingertips to create indentations in the bread. Cover it with a towel and let it rest for 20 minutes.
After a prolonged rise, the bread is ready to bake. You can either brush it with lightly beaten egg or simply moisten it with cold water.
Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes until the crust turns beautifully brown.
Allow the baked bread to cool under a towel.
The bread should have a crusty exterior and a porous interior, providing a delightful texture to enjoy.
Enjoy the fresh aroma and taste together with your meal!

Tips

**For extra flavor**, you can add herbs or roasted garlic into the dough before baking.
**If you don’t have plastic wrap,** a clean kitchen towel can work just as well to cover the dough as it rises.
Use a **pizza stone or baking sheet** to help create a uniformly crispy crust.

Nutritions

Calories: 180 (per slice), Protein: 5g, Fats: 2g, Carbs: 36g

Variations

For a **gluten-free version**, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and consider adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
**Vegan-Friendly**: Skip the egg wash or use a mixture of plant milk and a little olive oil as a glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this bread with a **rich tomato soup** for a comforting meal.
Serve with a **side of olives and cheese** for a Mediterranean touch.

Best Places

Here are some amazing places around the world where you can enjoy delightful bread varieties:

Pain de Sucre - A charming bakery known for its artisan bread. Location: 14 Rue Rambuteau, Paris, France.
Bread Ahead Bakery - Famous for its innovative bread recipes. Location: 21 Cathedral Street, London, UK.
Tartine Bakery - Celebrated for its sourdough bread. Location: 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, USA.
Pain Poilâne - Renowned for its traditional French bread. Location: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
The Mill - Offers a range of whole-grain breads and specialty coffees. Location: 736 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, USA.
Petersham Nurseries Cafe - Combines excellent bread with a unique garden setting. Location: Church Lane, Richmond, UK.
Fournil de Pierre - Provides a wide selection of organic breads. Location: Rue de Rivoli 132, Paris, France.
Bakers & Co. - Artisanal bakery featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Location: 193 Gloucester Road, Bristol, UK.
Breads Bakery - Offers both classic and modern bread varieties. Location: 18 E 16th Street, New York, USA.
Sullivan Street Bakery - Known for its emphasis on quality ingredients. Location: 236 Ninth Ave, New York, USA.