Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? This Pohl Schmitt bread maker recipe is your answer! Forget complicated kneading and proofing – this recipe delivers perfectly risen, delicious bread with minimal effort. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Optional: ½ cup whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough:
In your Pohl Schmitt bread maker pan, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Adding the Remaining Ingredients:
Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour (and whole wheat flour, if using). Don't add all the flour at once; reserve a little to adjust the dough consistency later if needed.
Step 3: Selecting the Bread Machine Setting:
Place the bread pan in your Pohl Schmitt bread maker. Select the "basic" or "white bread" setting and press start. Your bread maker will do all the work for you – mixing, kneading, and rising the dough.
Step 4: Baking & Cooling:
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the bread to firm up and prevents a soggy interior.
Tips for the Best Pohl Schmitt Bread:
- Water Temperature: Ensure your water is the correct temperature. Too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will slow down the rising process.
- Flour Type: Experiment with different flour types for different textures and flavors. Bread flour will yield a chewier loaf, while whole wheat flour adds a nutty taste and extra fiber.
- Adding Extras: Get creative with add-ins! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, cheese, or nuts during step 2 for a delicious twist.
Variations:
- Sweet Bread: Add ½ cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweeter, cinnamon-swirled bread.
- Hearty Whole Wheat: Increase the whole wheat flour to 1 cup for a denser, more nutritious loaf.
- Garlic Herb Bread: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs for a savory, aromatic bread.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used and slice size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 2-4g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 2-4g (higher with whole wheat flour)
This Pohl Schmitt bread maker recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious homemade bread without the fuss. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy the simple pleasure of freshly baked bread made easy!