RECIPE WORLD MASTER

4 Easy Bread Recipes You Can't Go Wrong With There's nothing quite as satisfying as making your own bread. Not only does it smell amazing as it bakes, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating a loaf of bread from scratch is unbeatable. In this article, we're going to look at four easy bread recipes that you can't go wrong with. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice just starting out, these recipes are sure to impress. 1. Middle Eastern Flatbread This Middle Eastern flatbread, known as manakish, is a firm favourite in the region. Traditionally topped with a blend of za'atar (a blend of herbs including thyme and oregano), sesame seeds, and olive oil, it's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. Ingredients: - 3 cups of all-purpose flour - 1 tsp instant yeast - 1 tsp salt - 1 tbsp sugar - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 cup warm water - Za'atar spice, sesame seeds, and olive oil for topping Tools: - Mixing bowl - Wooden spoon - Baking sheet - Rolling pin How to make it: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. 2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until it becomes soft and pliable. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and leave it to rest for at least an hour (or until it has doubled in size). 5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). 6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into six equal portions. 7. Roll each portion out into an oval shape, about 15cm (6 inches) in length. 8. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make indentations all over the dough, then brush with olive oil. 9. Top each flatbread with a generous amount of za'atar, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil. 10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown 11. Serve immediately, and enjoy! Tips: - Experiment with different toppings including cheese, tomato, and olives. - If you don't have za'atar spice, try using a blend of dried herbs of your choice. 2. Classic White Loaf The humble white loaf is a classic bread recipe that everyone should have up their sleeve. Simple, yet delicious, this loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just tearing apart and enjoying with some butter. Ingredients: - 500g strong white bread flour - 7g instant yeast - 2 tsp salt - 1 tbsp sugar - 300ml warm water Tools: - Mixing bowl - Wooden spoon - Loaf tin - Bread knife How to make it: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir well. 2. Add the warm water to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm, draught-free place for at least an hour (or until it has doubled in size). 5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). 6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. 7. Place the loaf into a greased loaf tin and cover it with a cloth. 8. Leave the loaf to rise for a further 30 minutes. 9. Slash the top of the loaf with a bread knife, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. 10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing. 11. Serve and enjoy! Tips: - For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven. - Add herbs or spices to the dough for an extra flavour burst. 3. Wholemeal Rolls If you're looking for a healthier alternative to white bread, these wholemeal rolls are the perfect options. Packed with fibre, these rolls are great for sandwiches or served alongside a hearty soup. Ingredients: - 500g wholemeal bread flour - 7g instant yeast - 2 tsp salt - 1 tbsp sugar - 300ml warm water Tools: - Mixing bowl - Wooden spoon - Baking sheet - Pastry brush How to make it: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wholemeal flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. 2. Add the warm water to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm, draught-free place for at least an hour (or until it has doubled in size). 5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). 6. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. 7. Place the balls of dough onto a greased baking sheet and cover with a cloth. 8. Leave to rise for a further 30 minutes. 9. Brush each roll with water, then sprinkle with extras seeds of your choice. 10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. 11. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly before serving. Tips: - Add raisins or nuts to the dough for an extra dimension of flavour. - These rolls freeze well, so make a big batch and freeze any leftovers for later use. 4. Ciabatta Ciabatta is a classic Italian bread known for its open crumb and crispy crust. Perfect for sandwiches or served alongside a hearty bowl of soup, this bread is sure to impress. Ingredients: - 500g strong bread flour - 1 tsp instant yeast - 2 tsp salt - 360ml warm water Tools: - Mixing bowl - Wooden spoon - Baking tray - Flour for dusting How to make it: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Stir to combine. 2. Add the warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes using a stand mixer, or 15-20 minutes by hand, until it becomes soft and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm, draught-free place for at least an hour (or until it has doubled in size). 5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). 6. Once the dough has risen, place it onto a heavily floured surface and lightly stretch it into a rectangular shape. 7. Cut the dough into three equal portions. 8. Transfer each portion onto a floured baking sheet and leave it to rest for a further 10 minutes. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. 10. Cool on a wire rack before serving. Tips: - This bread is great for freezing. Cut it into slices and freeze, then take out as needed. - For extra flavour, add herbs, cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough. And there you have it, four easy bread recipes that are sure to impress. No matter your skill level, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!