Are you ready to bake a loaf of bread that will transport you straight to Nonna Pia's sun-drenched kitchen in Italy? This isn't just any bread recipe; it's a taste of tradition, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even if you've never tackled homemade bread before, this easy recipe will guide you every step of the way to creating a deliciously crusty and soft loaf. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of sharing something truly special. This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, all while enjoying the best recipes and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This simple step is crucial for a successful homemade bread experience.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. This kneading process develops the gluten, resulting in a better texture for your bread.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (turned off) is a great place for this!
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can check this with a food thermometer.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the inside to finish setting. Once cooled, slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Tips for Nonna Pia's Perfect Loaf:
- Use a kitchen scale: For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients. This ensures accuracy and consistency.
- Don't overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but no longer.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your bread and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Let it cool completely: Resist the urge to slice into your warm bread. Allowing it to cool fully develops the best texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) to the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Garlic Bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 2-4g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This Nonna Pia Bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results! Share your baking experience with us – we'd love to see your beautiful loaves!