Recipe: Homemade Artisan Bread
Introduction:
This homemade artisan bread has a deliciously crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. It’s perfect for any meal, whether you enjoy it as a side, for sandwiches, or simply with a spread of butter. Follow this simple recipe for freshly baked bread from scratch!
Ingredients:
500g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
350ml lukewarm water
1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil (optional for extra softness)
Instructions:
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the lukewarm water gradually while stirring to form a dough. Add the olive oil if desired.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the dough: Punch down the dough to release the air, then divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf or round shape. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second rise: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) while the dough is rising.
Bake: Dust the dough with a little flour before baking. Make a couple of slashes on top of each loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked artisan bread!