This traditional bread recipe 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.
Time to prepare: 20 minutes
Time to cook: 25-30 minutes
Break duration: 2-3 hours
Time needed: 3 to 4 hours.
List of items needed to make a dish.
Hot water: 1 and a half cups (370 milliliters)
Yeast in powder form: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
Salt: 1 tsp
Instructions
Start the yeast:
In a big bowl, mix together warm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g). Gently mix and leave it for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is completely dissolved and bubbly.
Make the dough:
Put 500 grams of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a lumpy dough is created.
Work the dough.
Move the dough to a surface with a little flour and work it with your hands for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and stretchy. If the dough is too wet, put in a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time.
Beginning:
Put the dough in a clean bowl with a little oil, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it sit in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Form the dough into the desired shape.
Press the dough that has risen to let out any air bubbles. Form the dough into a loaf or the shape you want, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.
Second Growth:
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Make the bread.
Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) before using it. Cook the bread in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
Chill and Serve:
Take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool on a metal rack before cutting it. Enjoy your freshly baked bread either warm or at room temperature!
Advice:
To make the crust softer, apply melted butter on top of the bread after baking.
Include seeds or herbs in the dough for more taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
Ideal for those who are just starting.
Smooth and fluffy inside with a crunchy outer layer.
Suitable for various kinds of bread.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use quick-rise yeast. If you are 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 working?
To see if your yeast is working, combine it with lukewarm water and a little bit of sugar. If it gets bubbly and foamy in 5-10 minutes, it’s ready to use. If not, it might be old, and you should use a new one.
Can I prepare this bread without gluten?
Yes, but you will have to use a gluten-free flour mix that works well for making bread. Doughs without gluten may require different ways of working with them and longer times to rise, so make sure to adapt accordingly.
How can I make the outer layer less hard?
To make the bread crust softer, you can brush melted butter on top or cover it with a clean, damp cloth right after baking.
Am I allowed to include additional ingredients such as seeds, nuts, or herbs?
Of course! You can include seeds, nuts, or herbs in the dough while mixing to give it more flavor and crunch.
What should I do if my dough is too wet?
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one spoonful at a time, until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
How can I keep bread fresh when storing it?
Keep the bread in a bread box or a closed plastic bag at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days. To keep it fresh for a longer time, store it in a sealed container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and put it in the refrigerator after it has risen for the first time. Allow it to reach room temperature and rise once more before shaping it and baking.
Why did my bread end up heavy?
Bread can become heavy if the dough is not kneaded well, not left to rise enough, or if old yeast is used. Make sure to mix the dough well until it is smooth and stretchy, and let it rise for enough time.
Can I use a bread machine to bake this bread?
Yes, you can operate a bread machine by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular model. Put the ingredients in the order suggested by the machine. Usually, start with the wet ingredients and then add the dry ones.
