Homemade bread is not only a great way to enjoy fresh baked goods, but also an opportunity to control the composition of ingredients and create a delicious product without unnecessary additives.
Even if you are new to baking, making homemade bread is much easier than it might seem.
Basic ingredients for bread
To prepare bread, you will need a basic set of ingredients:
- Flour : Use wheat or whole wheat flour. You can also experiment with different types (rye, oat, buckwheat).
- Water : Warm water is usually used to activate the yeast.
- Yeast : Dry or fresh yeast will help the dough rise.
- Salt : Improves the taste of bread.
- Sugar or honey : A small amount of sugar activates the yeast and gives the bread a slight sweetness.
- Oil or butter : Adds softness and elasticity to the dough.
A simple recipe for white bread
This classic white bread recipe is suitable for beginners and does not require complicated techniques.
Ingredients:
- 500 g of wheat flour
- 300 ml of warm water
- 1 Art. l. olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 Art. l. sugar
- 1.5 tsp. dry yeast
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar and yeast. Let the yeast activate for 10 minutes – a foam will appear on the surface.
- Add flour, salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough with your hands or with a mixer with a special attachment.
- Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a towel and leave in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until the dough doubles in size.
- After the dough has risen, wrap it around and shape it into a loaf or place it in a baking dish.
- Leave the bread to rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Whole grain bread for healthy eating
This recipe is suitable for those who prefer healthier alternatives, as it uses whole wheat flour.
Ingredients:
- 300 g of whole grain flour
- 200 g of wheat flour
- 350 ml of warm water
- 2 Art. l. honey or maple syrup
- 1 Art. l. olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. dry yeast
Preparation:
- Dissolve honey in warm water, add yeast and leave for 10 minutes to activate.
- In a large bowl, mix both types of flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover with a towel and leave to rise for 1.5 hours.
- After rising, shape the bread and place it in a baking dish.
- Let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes.
- Bake the bread at a temperature of 200°C for about 35-40 minutes.
Unleavened bread on soda
If you want to avoid using yeast or have limited time, this recipe is a great alternative.
Ingredients:
- 400 g of wheat flour
- 100 g of rye flour
- 1 tsp. of soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 300 ml of kefir or natural yogurt
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix both types of flour, baking soda and salt.
- Add kefir and quickly knead the dough. Do not knead for too long – this will reduce the rise of the dough.
- Form a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make a cross-shaped incision on the top of the bread.
- Bake at a temperature of 200°C for about 30-35 minutes, until the crust becomes golden brown.
Tips for beginners:
- Water temperature control : The water should be warm but not hot (about 37°C) so that the yeast can activate properly.
- Rising time : Take your time – let the dough rise. This will help the bread become light and fluffy.
