Homemade bread
The smell of freshly baked bread is one of the most intoxicating and delicious that there is. It is an almost ancestral aroma which reminds us all, in some way or another, of our childhood and perhaps of summer holidays spent with our grandparents. Have you ever considered making bread yourself, with all the goodness of homemade baking, so as to spread this extraordinary fragrance throughout your home in the early hours of the morning, and waking your family with the pleasure of the scent of fresh bread? We wish to show you how to create this wonderful aroma, with some variations which use potatoes, pumpkin or even rye flour, thereby offering something for everyone and satisfying all your guests.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
For the potato bread: combine the mashed potatoes with 250g of flour and a little salt. Dissolve 1/4 cube of yeast in 100ml of water with a little sugar. Combine the water and yeast to the flour and potatoes and knead until you have a smooth dough. Let it rise for an hour or more. For pumpkin bread, follow the same procedure as for potatoes, only replace the potatoes with pumpkin. For rye bread combine the rye flour with grains of rye and 150ml of water with dissolved yeast and a little salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and let it rise. Mould the breads into various shapes and let them rise once again on a baking tray. Bake at 240°C C for 35 minutes.
Step by step
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Activate the yeast in a jug of tepid water with a little sugar
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Pour the water with the yeast into the flour shaped like a volcano and slowly work into a dough
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This is the dough for potato bread. Leave to rise for an hour or more
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Add the pumpkin to the flour and mix
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Proceed for the other breads in the same way, then mix in the water and yeast with the flour
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Make the various breads in different shapes, for example a plait for the pumpkin, and a long loaf for the rye bread
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Make a loaf from the potato dough
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Here is the pumpkin bread having been cooked for 35 minutes at 240°C
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Here is the rye bread having been cooked for 35 minutes at 240°C
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Here is the potato bread having been cooked for 35 minutes at 240°C
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Here is the homemade bread ready to eat, simple, quick and healthy!
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Additional information
Homemade Bread with Potatoes
Homemade bread with potatoes is a delicious variant that adds softness and a unique flavor to the dough. To prepare it, simply combine the mashed potatoes with 250 grams of flour, add a pinch of salt, and mix well. The key to a good result is to use well-cooked potatoes, which will help make the bread soft and fragrant. After dissolving a quarter of a cube of yeast in 100 ml of water with a bit of sugar, combine everything with the flour and potatoes. The dough should rise for at least an hour to ensure good growth and a light texture. This bread is perfect served warm, perhaps accompanied by butter or fresh cheeses, and is also suitable for making stuffed sandwiches.
Homemade Pumpkin Bread
The variant of homemade pumpkin bread is an excellent choice for those who desire a sweeter flavor and vibrant color. The preparation is similar to that of the bread with potatoes: simply replace the potatoes with cooked and mashed pumpkin. Using "00" flour as a base, combine the pumpkin with the dough and follow the same steps for rising. The result will be a bread with a soft and fragrant texture, ideal for accompanying autumn dishes or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, the pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness that makes this bread particularly versatile, perfect for making gourmet toast or sandwiches.
Light Homemade Bread Without Yeast
For those looking for a lighter option, homemade bread can be prepared without yeast, using alternative ingredients like baking soda. This light version is ideal for those with intolerances or specific dietary preferences. By using "00" flour and a mix of yogurt and water, a dough can be obtained that does not require long rising times. Simply mix the ingredients and form loaves that can be baked in the oven. This light bread turns out to be lighter and suitable even for those following a low-calorie diet, while still maintaining a good flavor and pleasant texture. Perfect for accompanying salads or soups, it is an excellent alternative to traditional bread.
Benefits of Homemade Bread and Nutritional Values
Homemade bread, whether prepared with potatoes, pumpkin, or in a light version, offers numerous benefits. Fresh and quality ingredients allow for control over the salt and sugar content, making the bread healthier than industrial bread. The "00" flour used is a source of complex carbohydrates, while the potatoes and pumpkin provide fiber and vitamins. On average, a 100-gram portion of homemade bread contains about 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Opting for homemade preparations allows for a reduction in the use of preservatives and additives, contributing to a more balanced and healthy diet.
How to Store Homemade Bread?
Many wonder how to store homemade bread to keep it fresh longer. The best solution is to place it in a paper bag or a plastic container with holes, to allow for air circulation. It is advisable not to store it in the refrigerator, as the cold can make the bread chewy. If you wish to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it. In this case, it is better to slice it before putting it in the freezer, so you can take out only the necessary slices. When you want to consume it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven to restore its original freshness.