Easy Homemade Bread

Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients:

• 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dry yeast. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes elastic. Shape into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each part into a loaf. Place the loaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
5. Score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the homemade goodness!
   Tips:

• Make sure the water is not too hot or it will kill the yeast. The water should be comfortably warm to the touch.
• You can customize your bread by adding herbs, seeds, or nuts to the dough before baking.
• To create a crispy crust, place a small pan of water in the oven while the bread bakes.
• Store any leftover bread in a paper bag to maintain its freshness.
  Prep time: 2 hours
  Calories per serving: 150 calories per 50g slice
  Perfectly crusty outside, soft inside!