Soft and fluffy bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk (optional for extra softness)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:
   
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to try again with fresh yeast.
3. Mix the dough:
   
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and the oil (and milk, if using). Stir until the dough begins to form.
5. Knead the dough:
   
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much. It should be soft, but not overly sticky.
7. Let the dough rise:
   
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
9. Shape the dough:
   
   • Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles. Gently shape it into a loaf by folding the sides in and rolling it tightly, or shape it into a round bun depending on your preference.
11. Second rise:
    
    • Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet for buns. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
13. Bake the bread:
    
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re making buns, they may take 15-20 minutes.
15. Cool and serve:
    
    • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain the fluffy texture.

Enjoy your soft and fluffy bread fresh out of the oven! It’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side with any meal.