Making homemade bread can be a rewarding experience, and this recipe is both easy to follow and produces delicious, fluffy bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how to make the best homemade bread, step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup milk
- 20 grams yeast
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk powder
- Salt to taste
- 2.5 cups wheat flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of hot water, 1 cup of milk, and 20 grams of yeast. Stir the ingredients well until the yeast is fully dissolved. This creates the base for activating the yeast and starting the dough.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Add 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of oil, and 1/2 cup of sugar to the yeast mixture.
- Then, add 3 tablespoons of milk powder and a pinch of salt to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
- Incorporate the Flour:
- Gradually add 2.5 cups of wheat flour to the mixture, stirring continuously. This step ensures the dough starts to form and become manageable.
- Once the dough reaches a thick consistency, begin to mix with your hands. This helps to better incorporate the flour and develop the dough’s texture.
- Knead the Dough:
- Sprinkle some wheat flour on a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough by hand, adding small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, which is essential for the bread’s structure and chewiness.
- First Rise:
- Lightly flour a large bowl and place the dough in it. Sprinkle a little more flour on top of the dough.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 1 hour. During this time, the dough will rise and double in size due to the yeast fermentation.
- Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces.
- Using a rolling pin or your hands, spread each piece of dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Create the Bread Shape:
- Roll up each piece of dough from one end to the other, leaving some room at the end.
- Cut strips into the dough without cutting all the way through.
- Position the strips over the rolled dough to create a decorative pattern.
- Repeat with the second piece of dough.
- Second Rise:
- Transfer the shaped dough into greased metal baking pans.
- Cover the pans and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the dough to expand further, resulting in a lighter bread texture.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
- Beat an egg yolk and brush it over the top of the dough. This will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown crust when baked.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before removing it from the pans.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the bread and serve it warm. This bread is perfect on its own, with butter, or as a complement to your favorite meals.
Tips and Variations:
- Flour Variations: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or spelt, for a different flavor and texture.
- Add-ins: Enhance your bread by adding ingredients like herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough before shaping.
- Sweet Variation: Increase the sugar slightly and add a bit of cinnamon and raisins for a sweet bread variation.
Conclusion:
This homemade bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake delicious, fluffy bread at home. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common, making it accessible for all bakers. Whether you’re making this bread for a special occasion or just to enjoy fresh homemade bread, it’s sure to impress.
Share Your Experience:
I hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful homemade bread. Share this recipe with friends and family, and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any favorite variations or tips, I’d love to hear about them. Enjoy baking, and see you in the next recipe adventure!
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