Bread Loaf Recipe
Introduction
Bread is a staple food that has been around for centuries. There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread, and nothing beats the taste of a warm slice of bread with butter. Making bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but it's actually a straightforward process. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to make a delicious bread loaf from scratch.Ingredients
The ingredients you'll need to make a bread loaf are:- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until the dough comes together.Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in size.Step 4: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it's golden brown on top.Step 6: Let the Bread Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.Nutrition
One slice of this bread loaf contains approximately:- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 201mg
- Potassium: 47mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your bread loaf turns out perfectly:- Use warm water, not hot or cold water.
- Be patient during the rising process. The dough needs time to develop and rise properly.
- Knead the dough well. This helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure.
- Don't overbake the bread. It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.