Simple Bread Loaf

Make the best of every situation, and this quarantine period has surely reminded me of that.

I usually go for our weekly grocery to Costco, but we never buy the bread from there. They have an array of delicious bread varieties, however, for the quantity is far too much for just my husband and I. Baking bread at home has been quite easy, but it sure took me several rounds of trial and errors.

Today I share a bread recipe that works best for me. It has the softness of the Artisan Bread from Costco, but not as dense. So, it is just perfect for us!

I am no expert in bread making and the bread has come out very well!

Using lecithin is optional. This aids with extending the shelf life for the bread. I haven’t used it in this recipe. Do read my post about lecithin here to know more.

So, let’s get right to it!

Print Recipe

Simple Bread Loaf

Servings

Ingredients

• 2.5 cup all-purpose flour/maida 380-385 grams
• 2.5 tsp instant yeast
• 1.5 tbsp sugar or honey I have used soft brown sugar for this recipe
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup + 1 tbsp water 120°F – 130°F
• 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
• 1 tbsp butter/oil for coating
• 1.5 tbsp lecithin Optional if you want to store the bread for long. I have not used in this recipe

Servings Ingredients 2.5 cup all-purpose flour/maida 380-385 grams 2.5 tsp instant yeast 1.5 tbsp sugar or honey I have used soft brown sugar for this recipe 3/4 tsp salt 1 cup + 1 tbsp water 120°F – 130°F 2 tbsp melted butter or oil 1 tbsp butter/oil for coating 1.5 tbsp lecithin Optional if you want to store the bread for long. I have not used in this recipe

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl add flour, instant yeast, salt and sugar. Mix thoroughly
2. Now add 1 cup + 1 tbsp water. Add water little by little. Amount of water may vary based on the quality of flour. Ensure water is between (120°F – 130°F). This will help activate the yeast. Mix well and knead for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the dough to flour dusted surface and knead for 2 minutes.
4. After 2 minutes, flatten the dough and add melted butter. Then knead till the butter is all absorbed and you get a soft pliable dough (about 4 minutes). You should get soft and non-sticky dough.
5. Do the fold and press method couple of times. Roll the dough up into a ball. Grease with little oil or butter and keep aside to proof for 2 hours
6. AFTER 2 HOURS, the dough should have doubled. Light dust a clean surface and transfer the dough onto the surface.
7. Punch and lightly knead by folding and pressing.
8. Flatten the dough using your fingers, like making a pizza base. Then begin to roll tightly. As you roll, keep tucking in the edges. This is an important step to ensure there are no hold in the loaf.
9. Once you have rolled, place the dough in a greased loaf tin. Cover with a towel and keep aside for 30 minutes to proof. About 20 minutes into the waiting time, preheat the over at 350 Degree F.
10. After 30 minutes, lightly grease the bread with butter or oil and its ready for baking!
11. Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. It took me 40 minutes to get the desired golden crust.
12. After 40 minutes, bread is ready. Lightly golden at the top and smells divine! I like to turn off the oven now and let the bread cool in the oven with the door lightly cracked open for about 10 minutes. This results in a smoother crust.
13. Fresh Bread is ready!