Let’s make bread! I’m going to show you a simple way to make your own bread at home. You don’t need a lot of things, just some flour, yeast, milk, and a few other ingredients you probably already have. This recipe is great for beginners and fun to make. In the end, you’ll have a soft and tasty loaf of bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or just eating with your favorite butter or jam. Let’s get started and make some delicious bread together!
Ingredients:
- 10.58 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of table salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
- 6.76 fluid ounces (approximately 3/4 cup) of milk, slightly warmed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Warm the milk to a lukewarm temperature—warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot as to kill it. Mix the granulated sugar into the milk until dissolved. Sprinkle the tablespoon of dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and table salt. This not only combines these ingredients but also aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and yogurt until fully combined. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the oil and yogurt, mixing well.
- Form the Dough:
- Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If necessary, add a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf by flattening the dough into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck under the ends.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaf in a greased bread pan. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, until nearly doubled in size.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This custom recipe creates a beautifully soft and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or to enjoy as is with your favorite spread. Enjoy your baking adventure!