Quick Homemade Bread (Baked or Fried)
Ingredients:
- 80 ml milk
- 15 ml yogurt (optional)
- 5g white sugar (divided into 1 tsp and a pinch)
- 1.5g (about ½ tsp) instant yeast
- 7.5 ml (½ tbsp) olive oil, plus a little more for greasing
- 150g (about 1 cup) all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, optional yogurt, 1 tsp sugar, and instant yeast. Stir well until the yeast and sugar are dissolved.
- Add ½ tbsp olive oil, flour, and a pinch of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape and Rest:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then cover and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- For Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 482°F (250°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a circle about 10 cm in diameter.
- Place the dough circles on the prepared tray, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes or until the bread inflates and turns lightly golden.
- For Frying:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (no oil needed).
- Place the dough circles into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until each side is golden brown and the bread inflates.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this bread warm from the oven or skillet.
- Pairs wonderfully with butter, jams, or any spread of your choice.
- Perfect as a side to dip into soups or to accompany a hearty salad.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the yeast is well dissolved in the milk mixture for optimal rising.
- Resting the dough balls before rolling them out ensures a lighter, fluffier texture.
- If frying, make sure the skillet is preheated to ensure even cooking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Milk and Yogurt: Provide calcium and protein.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Homemade Bread: Free from preservatives and artificial additives.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk and omit yogurt.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven before serving.