Discover the Magic of Homemade Bread
Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen? If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own homemade bread but felt intimidated by the process, fear not! Today, I’m going to share with you a delightful bread recipe that I learned from a gracious hostess in Turkey. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can whip up a delicious loaf of bread right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups (350 ml) warm water
- 5 grams of dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2.5 cups (350 grams) of wheat flour
- 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- Olive oil
Mixing the Dough
- First things first, let’s get mixing! In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, dry yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This magical transformation is the yeast coming to life!
- Next, add in the salt and gradually incorporate the wheat flour. Don’t dump it all in at once; instead, add it in two batches, mixing thoroughly each time. This helps ensure a smooth and uniform dough.
- Once the flour is incorporated, it’s time to add some texture and flavor. Throw in those sunflower or pumpkin seeds and give the dough a final mix.
Shaping and Proofing
- Now comes the fun part – shaping the dough! Grease a baking dish with olive oil and pour in the dough, smoothing it out evenly with your hands. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top to prevent the dough from sticking to the cling film.
- Cover the dish with cling film and let the dough rest and rise for about 30 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much it puffs up!
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Once the dough has risen, sprinkle some extra seeds on top for added crunch and flavor. Then, pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 190°C (370°F) and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
The Aroma of Success
As the bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. There’s truly nothing quite like it! Once it’s done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into it.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking bread, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy your freshly baked loaf with a smear of butter, a dollop of jam, or alongside your favorite soup or salad. Get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavors to suit your taste.