Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of lukewarm water
- 3/4 cup of milk, heated
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 7 tablespoons and an additional 1 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil
- 1 teaspoon of fine-grain salt
- 6 cups of all-purpose wheat flour
- Butter, as preferred for serving
Instructions:
- Begin by combining the lukewarm water and hot milk in a large mixing bowl. This mixture should be warm to the touch but not too hot to prevent harming the yeast.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm liquid mixture and add the granulated sugar. Stir gently to combine. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Stir in 7 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil into the yeast mixture. Add the teaspoon of fine-grain salt. These additions will help enrich the bread’s flavor and texture.
- Gradually add the all-purpose wheat flour to the liquid ingredients, mixing continuously. Begin with adding a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition, until a dough starts to form.
- Once the dough has formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but do so sparingly to avoid drying out the dough.
- Place the kneaded dough in a clean, oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape it according to your preference or fit it into a greased bread pan.
- Preheat your oven to a temperature recommended for baking bread (usually around 350°F to 375°F). Let the shaped dough undergo a second rise until it puffs up nicely, about 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Serve your homemade bread with butter to taste. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your freshly baked creation!