This homemade bread recipe yields soft, fluffy bread with a golden crust, perfect for any meal. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create delicious bread at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Flour: 5 cups (600g)
• Warm Milk: 2 cups (480ml)
• Oil: 1 cup (240ml)
• Dry Yeast: 1 tbsp (9g)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 tbsp (12g)
• Salt: 1 tsp (5g)

For Boiling the Dough:

• Water: 2.5 – 3 liters
• Salt: 1 tsp (5g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mixing the Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm milk, 1 tablespoon of dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Stir the mixture until the yeast is fully dissolved.
3. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the yeast begins to foam, indicating that it is activated and ready to use.

Step 2: Incorporate the Oil

1. Gradually add 1 cup of oil to the yeast mixture while stirring continuously.
2. Slowly incorporate 5 cups of flour, mixing as you go to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should not be too sticky; if necessary, add a little more flour.

Step 3: Let it Rest

1. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for approximately 45 minutes. During this time, the dough will rise and double in size.

2. Shaping and Boiling

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts.
3. Roll each part into a ball, then flatten each ball into a meringue shape.
4. Roll the flattened dough into a roll and shape the edges to ensure they are even and smooth.

Step 5: Boil the Dough

1. In a deep pot, bring 2.5 – 3 liters of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Carefully place the prepared dough rolls into the boiling water.
3. Let them cook for 2 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly cooked. This boiling step helps to set the dough and gives the bread a unique texture.

3. Baking and Enjoying

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Transfer the boiled dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Use a knife to make some scratches on the surface of the bread, which will help them to bake evenly and create a beautiful crust.
4. Bake the bread for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Enjoy

1. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
2. Serve warm with your favorite spreads, such as butter, jam, or cheese, or enjoy it plain. The bread’s soft, fluffy interior and golden crust make it perfect for any meal.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

Tips for Success

• Check Yeast Freshness: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it might be expired.
• Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Resting Period: Allow the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it rises properly.
• Boiling: Boiling the dough briefly before baking helps to set the shape and gives the bread a unique texture.

Possible Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

• Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.

2. Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

• Absolutely! You can add herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for extra flavor.

3. What if I don’t have warm milk?

• You can use warm water instead of milk, but the bread might be less rich.

4. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

• The bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious homemade bread with your loved ones!