Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure but feeling intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! With just three simple ingredients – flour, yeast, and salt – you can bake a delicious loaf of bread right in your own kitchen. This beginner-friendly recipe requires minimal effort and yields impressive results. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of baking bread with only three ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Warm water
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help your bread rise.
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Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add warm water, about 1 cup, while stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue adding water until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
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Let it Rise: Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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Shape the Loaf: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the loaf has risen again, slash the top with a sharp knife to allow for expansion during baking. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked bread with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings!
With just flour, yeast, and salt, you can create a homemade loaf of bread that's sure to impress your family and friends. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let's get baking!
For more bread baking tips and techniques, check out these helpful articles:
Happy baking!