Ever wondered how bread is made. Well, with all the varieties in the market, we seldom think of making it ourselves. But it is a very simple recipe and you could also try various variations. So put on your baker’s cap and get set to bake a wonderful bread in these easy steps.
Things you’ll need: Yeast (2 tbsp), water – lukewarm (2 cups), bread flour (5 cups total, 2 for the sponge and 3 for later), sugar (2 tbsp), salt (2 tsp), Oil (2 tbsp)
Lets make the sponge first, mix 2 cups of lukewarm water and the flour, then add 2 tbsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. oil, 2 tbsp. yeast, and 2 tsp. salt. This is called the sponge, what you are doing. Now add the flour, about 3 cups, depending on the humidity and knead it.
Leave it in a warm place for about 45 minutes to an hour and let it rise. It should be more than double the size when done. Divide this dough into three parts and put them in loaf pans. The pans have to be sprayed before putting the loafs.
For the baking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the loafs for about 180 to 190 degrees.
Keep close to the oven and test by removing the loaf from the oven and gently tapping the base. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready.
Breads taste great when served warm or could be used in a variety of dishes.
To make flavored bread, you could add 1tsp of herbs (sage, rosemary, oregano, parsley) or garlic when kneading the dough.
Hope you enjoyed learning how to bake bread!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Thank you gentlemen, a million times for helping me learn about baking bread!!Please send me recipes of all variations possible with this very useful food item.Please clarify the following:
Is it possible to eliminate salt from the recipe?
Is it possible to add holy basil leaves in bread?
How to make it as soft as gossamer?
Which food color does bread take to improve its appearance?
Dr Sadasivan (Email ID: [email protected])