Home Made Bread Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious home made bread recipe. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own bread from scratch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Dough
– 500g all-purpose flour
– 10g salt
– 7g instant yeast
– 350ml lukewarm water
Optional Variations
– 100g whole wheat flour
– 50g rye flour
– 2 tablespoons of honey
Steps
Follow these steps to make your own home made bread:
1. Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. If you’re using any optional variations, add them now. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon. Continue mixing until a sticky dough forms.
2. Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading by pushing the dough away from you with the palm of your hand, then folding it back towards you. Repeat this motion for about 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for you. Set the mixer to a low speed and let it knead for about 5 minutes.
3. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shaping the Bread
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, making sure it fits snugly. Cover the pan with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it reaches the top of the pan.
5. Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Once the dough has risen, remove the towel and place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Cooling and Enjoying
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked home made bread with butter or your favorite spreads!
Variations
Here are a few variations you can try to customize your home made bread:
1. Whole Wheat Bread
Replace 100g of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutritional value.
2. Rye Bread
Substitute 50g of the all-purpose flour with rye flour to give your bread a distinct flavor and denser texture.
3. Honey Bread
Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough for a touch of sweetness. This variation pairs well with breakfast spreads or can be enjoyed on its own.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your home made bread turns out perfect every time:
1. Use Fresh Yeast
Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough. Check the expiration date on the package and proof the yeast in lukewarm water before adding it to the dough.
2. Don’t Rush the Rising Process
Allow the dough enough time to rise properly. This will result in a lighter and fluffier bread.
3. Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even grated cheese to add a unique flavor to your bread.
4. Store Properly
Once cooled, store your bread in a bread box or airtight container to maintain freshness. Alternatively, you can slice the bread and freeze it for longer shelf life.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own home made bread. The process may seem daunting at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread and savor the delicious taste that only home made bread can offer.
FAQs
1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which will result in a slightly denser bread with a chewier texture.
2. How long does the bread stay fresh?
When stored properly, home made bread can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. After that, it is best toasted or used for making breadcrumbs or croutons.
3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you will need to proof the active dry yeast in lukewarm water before adding it to the dough.
