Traditional Recipe for Homemade Bread

 

This traditional homemade bread is great for both new and experienced bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a light and airy bread with a crispy, golden crust. You can eat it fresh out of the oven or let it cool to room temperature. It's great for sandwiches, toast, or just a plain slice with butter.

Time to Get Ready:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 3 to 4 hours

List of Items Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups (370 milliliters) hot water
• 2 tablespoons (10 grams) yeast
• 4 cups (500 grams) flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Make the Yeast Work: In a big bowl, mix together lukewarm water and dry yeast. Stir softly and leave it for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is completely dissolved and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough: Put the flour and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a lumpy dough is made.
3. Knead the Dough: Move the dough to a surface with a little flour and knead it by hand for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and stretchy. If the dough is too wet, add a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time.
4. First Rise: Put the dough in a clean bowl with a little oil, cover it with a wet cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Form the Dough: Press the risen dough to remove any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf or your desired shape, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before cutting. Enjoy your freshly baked bread either warm or at room temperature!

Advice:

• To make the crust softer, brush melted butter on top of the bread after baking.
• Include seeds or herbs in the dough for extra flavor.

Why You'll Enjoy This Recipe:

• Simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
• Great for beginners.
• Smooth and fluffy inside with a crunchy outer layer.
• Suitable for various types of bread.

Commonly Asked Questions:

• Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use quick-rise yeast. If using instant yeast, you don't need to activate it separately. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
• How can I tell if my yeast is still good to use? Combine it with lukewarm water and a little sugar. If it gets bubbly within 5-10 minutes, it is ready to use. If not, it might be old, and you should use a new batch.
• Can I prepare this bread without gluten? Yes, but you will need to use a gluten-free flour mix suitable for making bread. Gluten-free doughs may require special care and more time to rise, so adjust as needed.
• How can I make the outer layer less hard? Brush melted butter on top or cover the bread with a clean, damp cloth right after baking to soften the crust.
• Can I include additional ingredients like seeds, nuts, or herbs? Absolutely! You can add seeds, nuts, or herbs to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
• What should I do if my dough is too wet? Add a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.
• How can I keep bread fresh when storing it? Store the bread in a bread box or a closed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, use a sealed container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Allow it to reach room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.
• Why did my bread end up heavy? Bread can become heavy if the dough is not kneaded well, not left to rise long enough, or if old yeast is used. Ensure thorough mixing, proper rising time, and fresh yeast.
• Can I use a bread machine to bake this bread? Yes, follow the instructions provided by your bread machine's manufacturer, usually adding ingredients in the order suggested by the machine.