Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
The History of Homemade Bread: A Staple in Our Kitchens
Bread has been a staple food for centuries, and the practice of making easy homemade bread is one that has been passed down through generations. Bread-making has evolved over the years, but the love for homemade bread remains constant. In this article, we will take a look at the history of homemade bread and how it has evolved over the years.
The Beginnings of Homemade Bread
The earliest form of bread was made by grinding grains and mixing the flour with water. This mixture was then baked over an open fire to create flatbreads. The first evidence of bread-making dates back to ancient Egypt, where bread was a staple food in their diet. The Egyptians created different types of bread, including sourdough, unleavened bread, and bread made with beer.
Bread-making in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, bread-making became more sophisticated. Bakers began using yeast as a leavening agent, which allowed the bread to rise and become lighter. Different types of bread, such as white bread and brown bread, were also created during this time. Bread-making became a trade, and bakers began forming guilds to protect their interests.
The Industrial Revolution and Bread-Making
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in bread-making. The introduction of the steam-powered milling machine allowed bakers to produce larger quantities of flour. This led to the mass production of bread, and the process became automated. White bread became more popular during this time, as it was seen as a sign of wealth.
The Return of Easy Homemade Bread
In the 20th century, the art of easy homemade bread-making began to make a comeback. People became more interested in baking their own bread, and a renewed interest in traditional methods led to the creation of sourdough bread and other artisanal breads. With the rise of health and wellness trends, people also began looking for bread made with whole grains and other natural ingredients.
Easy Bread-Making Today
Today, easy homemade bread-making continues to be a popular pastime. Many people enjoy the process of kneading the dough, watching it rise, and baking it to perfection. There are many different types of bread, and bakers are constantly experimenting with new recipes and techniques. Bread-making has also become more accessible, with the rise of home baking kits and bread machines.
The Benefits of Easy Homemade Bread
Easy homemade bread has many benefits over store-bought bread. First, it allows you to control the ingredients that go into your bread. You can choose to use whole grains, natural sweeteners, and other healthy ingredients. Easy homemade bread is also fresher, and it doesn’t contain any preservatives or artificial additives. In addition, the act of easy bread-making can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity.
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe - Homemade crusty bread
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Ingredients
Easy white bread
- 500 g Strong white flour
- 7 g Sachet of yeast
- 40 g Soft butter
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- A drizzle of either sunflower or olive oil
- 300 ml Warm water
Instructions
Easy white bread Recipe
- Add the flour, butter, yeast and salt to a bowl and mix together.500 g Strong white flour, 7 g Sachet of yeast, 1.5 tsp Salt, 40 g Soft butter
- Pour in around half of the water and give it a good mix together with your fingers. Continue to add the water a little bit at a time, combining the mixture and collecting all the flour from the sides of the bowl. The dough needs to be well mixed but not soggy or sticky.300 ml Warm water
- Add 1 teaspoon of oil to a clean work surface, chuck the dough onto it and start kneading and folding. You will need to do this for around 5 minutes until the dough is stretchy and smooth.A drizzle of either sunflower or olive oil
- Clean and oil your mixing bowl and place the dough back into it and cover it with a damp tea towel. Let this prove for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, begin kneading it again. This will knock the air out of it.
Easy white bread Recipe - Soft on the inside and crusty on the outside
- Place the dough onto the baking tray and cover it again with the tea towel. Let it sit for around an hour, or it has doubled in size.
- Using a sharp knife, slice cuts into the top about 1cm deep, in a diamond pattern. Cook in a preheated oven (180 fan), for about 30 minutes. You know that it is cooked when it sounds hollow and is a golden colour.
Top Tip
- Place some water in another tray underneath the cooking bread. The steam created will help the bread develop and crisp crust.
Nutrition
Easy homemade bread has a long and rich history, and it continues to be a staple in our kitchens today. From the earliest forms of flatbreads to the artisanal breads of today, bread-making has evolved over time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, easy homemade bread is a rewarding and satisfying experience. So, the next time you’re in the mood for bread, why not try making your own? You may be surprised at how easy and delicious it can be.
Hey there, breadheads! Just a heads up, some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. That means if you decide to buy something through one of my links, I’ll earn a crust… I mean, a commission. Don’t worry, I promise not to knead you into buying anything you don’t need. Only the best bread-related products and services get my stamp of approval. So, if you do end up making a purchase through one of my links, you’ll be supporting my bread obsession and helping me keep the dough rolling. Thanks for being a part of my bread journey!
Guess what my eldest has been making lots of recently, inspired by her food tech classes??? Yup, white bread! That said, I love the patter on the top of this. I’ll speak to her, see if she’ll give your recipe a go.
I think my lads love of baking is inspired by food tech classes too. Let me know how she gets on if she does try the recipe