Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but want a vegan option? Look no further! This easy vegan bread recipe, perfect for your bread maker, will deliver a fluffy, delicious loaf without any fuss. Say goodbye to store-bought bread and hello to homemade goodness that's surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is your ticket to satisfying, healthy, and incredibly tasty homemade bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier loaf)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (this helps mimic the effect of eggs)
Instructions:
This recipe is designed for ease of use with a bread machine. However, you can adapt it to hand-kneading if you prefer!
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Prepare the Bread Machine: Grease your bread machine pan lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your beautiful loaf.
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Add Ingredients: Add the warm water, olive oil, sugar, salt, flour, yeast, and apple cider vinegar to the bread pan in the order specified by your bread machine's manual. Most machines recommend liquids first, followed by dry ingredients. Check your manual for specific instructions.
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Select the Cycle: Choose the "basic" or "white bread" cycle on your bread machine. The baking time will vary depending on your machine, typically ranging from 3-4 hours.
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Let it Rise: Let the bread machine do its magic! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen. Resist the urge to open the lid too frequently during the rising and kneading process as this can affect the dough's rise.
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Bake and Cool: 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 prevents a soggy loaf and allows the crumb to set properly.
Tips for the Best Vegan Bread:
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Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh. A simple test is to dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams within a few minutes, your yeast is good to go!
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Flour Choice: Using bread flour will result in a chewier, more textured loaf. All-purpose flour works well too, providing a softer crumb.
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Water Temperature: The water temperature is crucial for yeast activation. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly. Aim for the recommended 105-115°F range.
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Don't Over-knead (if hand-kneading): Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Cooling is Key: Allowing the bread to cool completely is essential for optimal texture and prevents a gummy interior.
Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough.
- Sweet Bread: Increase the sugar to ⅓ cup and add ½ cup of raisins or cranberries.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This information will vary depending on the exact ingredients and slice size. It's best to use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis based on your specific recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Protein: Approximately 3-5g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
Enjoy your delicious homemade vegan bread! This recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal, from simple sandwiches to hearty soups and salads. It's a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and satisfying. This easy recipe for homemade cooking will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Making your own bread is rewarding, delicious, and a great way to enjoy fresh, healthy food recipes.