Dive into the world of homemade bread with this straightforward and utterly delicious recipe that’s so good, you’ll find yourself making it twice a week! Combining the simplicity of ingredients with the joy of baking, this bread is perfect for any meal, snack, or just because. Let’s get started on this journey to bread bliss.
Ingredients:
- Warm Water: 70ml, to activate the yeast
- Warm Milk: 70ml, for a tender crumb
- Dry Yeast: 1 teaspoon, the magic ingredient
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to feed the yeast
- Egg: 1, for richness and color
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for flavor and softness
- Flour: 320g, the foundation of the bread
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance taste
Instructions:
- Yeast Activation:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. You’re looking for a dough that’s just past sticky, and pliable enough to handle.
- First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free area to let the dough rise. This should take about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into your desired loaf or rolls.
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover lightly with the kitchen towel again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Once the dough has completed its second rise and looks puffy and ready, place it in the oven.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Enjoy:
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with butter, your favorite spreads, or as the base for a delicious sandwich.
This easy and delicious bread recipe is a testament to the beauty of homemade baking. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a loaf that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your home, and most importantly, the taste of freshly baked bread that’s sure to bring smiles all around.