Homemade Spongy Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, room temperature
Directions:
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 until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has finished its second rise, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool the Bread:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your homemade spongy bread!
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours (including rising time)
Servings: 1 loaf
Enjoy your delicious homemade bread!