Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any other neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and the oil to the flour. Stir until it starts to form a dough.
- Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough:
- Punch the dough down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise:
- Cover the dough in the pan with a towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- Bake the bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool the bread:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Tip: This simple bread recipe is not only affordable but also versatile. You can add herbs, garlic, or other seasonings to the dough for extra flavor, or use it for making sandwiches. Enjoy the warm, homemade bread with butter or your favorite spread!
This recipe gives you a basic loaf of bread with simple ingredients, so it’s a great, budget-friendly option for homemade baking!