1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, warm 150ml of milk until it’s just lukewarm, not hot. Add 25g of sugar to the milk and stir to dissolve.
Sprinkle 3g of active dry yeast over the milk and stir gently. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 300g of all-purpose or bread flour with 3g of salt.
Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture along with 1 beaten egg and 30g of unsalted butter. Mix everything together until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it will affect the bread’s texture.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Grease a large bowl with 5g of unsalted butter and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Shape and Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle and then folding it tightly. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
Let the dough rise for an additional 20-30 minutes in the pan, until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
6. Bake the Bread:
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 90°C (195°F).
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
With Butter or Jam: Serve warm with a spread of butter or your favorite jam for a simple yet delicious treat.
For Sandwiches: This soft bread is perfect for sandwiches, from classic ham and cheese to grilled vegetables or even peanut butter and jelly.
For Soup or Stew: Pair this bread with your favorite soup or stew. It’s perfect for dipping into broths and sauces.
Cooking Tips
Proof the Yeast: Always make sure the yeast is activated properly before adding it to the flour. If it doesn’t foam or bubble, it may be dead and will not help the bread rise.
Avoid Over-Kneading: Kneading the dough properly helps create that light, airy texture, but avoid over-kneading, which could make the bread tough.
Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest and rise fully at each stage to ensure the bread’s texture is soft and fluffy.
Variations to Try
Herb-Infused Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dough for a fragrant and savory twist.
Sweet Bread: For a sweeter bread, add a handful of raisins or chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
Whole Wheat Version: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more robust flavor and added fiber.
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