Ingrédients
1 cup (240ml) warm water
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (10g) sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (20g) mixed seeds (such as flax, chia, sesame, or sunflower seeds)
instructions
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water (not hot) with sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
Incorporate the Seeds:
Add the mixed seeds to the dough. Knead by hand or with a mixer using a dough hook on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
First Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
Once risen, gently deflate the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls, depending on your preference.
Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
Preheat and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Rolls may bake faster, around 20 minutes.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Your homemade bread recipe sounds wonderful! To ensure your bread stays fresh and delicious, here are some storage tips:
Storing Bread1. Room Temperature:
- Short-Term Storage: Store the bread at room temperature in a bread box, paper bag, or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. This helps maintain the crust’s texture and keeps the bread fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- Avoid Plastic Bags: Storing bread in plastic bags can cause it to become soggy or moldy faster due to trapped moisture.
- Refrigerator:
- Not Recommended: Refrigerating bread can actually speed up the staling process. It’s better to store bread at room temperature or freeze it for longer storage.
- Freezer:
- Long-Term Storage: To freeze bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Slices or Whole Loaf: If you prefer, slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out individual slices as needed.
Thawing and Reheating– Thawing: To thaw frozen bread, let it sit at room temperature in its wrapping. For a quicker option, you can microwave slices for a few seconds.
- Reheating: For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat thawed bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Tips for Keeping Bread Fresh– Avoid Moisture: Store bread in a dry place to prevent mold growth.
- Slice as Needed: Slicing bread as needed can help keep the loaf fresher longer.
- Proper Wrapping: Use a combination of plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezer storage to prevent freezer burn.
Following these tips will help you enjoy your homemade bread at its best! 🍞✨