Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• Warm water: 375 ml (1½ cups)
• Sugar: ½ tablespoon (7 g)
• Dry yeast: 7 g (about 2¼ teaspoons)
• Flour: 500 g (4 cups), plus extra for dusting
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6 g)
• Sunflower oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)

Directions:

Activate the Yeast:

In a bowl, combine 50 ml warm water, ½ tablespoon sugar, and 7 g dry yeast. Mix thoroughly and let sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until frothy.

Make the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with 375 ml warm water. Gradually add 500 g sifted flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

Add sunflower oil and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed.

First Rise:

Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

Once risen, sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Stretch and fold the dough as shown in the video, then form it into a ball. Dust with flour.

Second Rise:

Line a baking pan with parchment paper and dust it with flour. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, cover it, and let it rise again until doubled.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Make Cuts and Bake:

Once the dough has risen, make slashes on the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool the Bread:

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.