There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This bread recipe, inspired by a beloved grandmother, is sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. With a perfect balance of ingredients, this bread is soft, flavorful, and easy to make. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious homemade bread that you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup hot milk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 7 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sunflower seed oil
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 6 cups wheat flour
- Butter, to taste (for greasing and finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and hot milk. The mixture should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the warm liquid and add the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the 7 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil and the fine salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until all 6 cups of flour are incorporated. The dough should have a slight stickiness, but still be easy to handle.
- Knead the Dough: Move the dough to a surface that has been lightly dusted with flour. Knead it for approximately 10 minutes until it achieves a smooth and elastic texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has finished rising, deflate it by pressing down to release the trapped air. Place the dough on a floured surface and split it into two even portions. Shape each part into a loaf and place them in greased loaf pans. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into rounds or other desired shapes and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the Bread: Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If desired, brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft, buttery crust.
- Cool and Serve: Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, move the loaves to a wire rack to cool down completely. Slice and serve the bread with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
This homemade bread recipe is a tribute to the timeless tradition of baking, passed down through generations. With its soft texture and delightful flavor, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and sharing this heartwarming bread with your loved ones. Happy baking!