There is nothing more satisfying than being able to make your own loaf of bread. The smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen and the taste of homemade bread is heavenly. With this simple recipe you can achieve this too x
500g very strong white bread flour
1 tsp salt
1tsp white granulated sugar
15g butter (unsalted)
7g easy bake yeast
300ml water (warm)
Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Rub in the butter, stir in the yeast.
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the warm water. Mix together until a soft dough starts to form. This will take a couple of minutes. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, this can take up to 10 minutes. Tip: If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook this really helps make the kneading process a lot easier and means your arms won't ache quite so much! Although it is good to do a bit of kneading with your hands too. If the dough gets sticky just put some more flour on your work surface.
Shape into a loaf and drop into a lightly greased 900g (2lb) loaf tin. Cover the dough with oiled cling film and leave to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes - 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size. (I just leave mine sitting on top of my kitchen counter as it is warm enough in this room).
Heat your oven to 210 degrees. Sprinkle the dough with a little flour to create a crisp, rustic coating on top of the bread. Place in the centre of the oven and bake for 15 minutes then reduce the oven temperature to 180 degrees and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, until the bread is risen and golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
Turn out the bread and cool on a wire rack. Enjoy x
Comments