Baking bread can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Here's a simple and classic recipe for a basic white bread:
Ingredients:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 30g (2 tbsp) sugar
- 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
- 60ml (1/4 cup) milk
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (around 110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Mixing the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the flour along with the milk and melted butter. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
Kneading: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shaping: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller pieces to make rolls or baguettes.
Second rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or loaf pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Baking: Once the dough has risen for the second time, you can lightly brush the top with milk or egg wash for a shiny finish. Then, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes (depending on the size and shape) until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked bread! You can customize this recipe by adding herbs, seeds, or other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Happy baking!