Simple Bread Recipe with Water: A Baker’s Guide

Baking bread with just water, flour, and yeast might seem basic, but it’s the foundation of countless delicious loaves. This simple Bread Recipe With Water allows you to experience the pure joy of bread making without complicated ingredients or techniques. It’s perfect for beginners and a great way to understand the magic of yeast.

The Beauty of a Basic Bread Recipe with Water

Making bread with water allows you to appreciate the fundamental elements at play. It’s a chance to connect with a tradition practiced for centuries, relying on minimal ingredients to produce a wholesome and satisfying loaf. By mastering this bread recipe with water, you’ll build a solid base for exploring more complex bread recipes.

Getting Started: Ingredients for Your Water Bread Recipe

This bread recipe with water requires only four readily available ingredients:

• Water: About 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water (105-115°F) – the temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
• Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) of active dry yeast.
• Flour: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting. You can also experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, essential for flavour and controlling yeast activity.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Bread with Water

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release the air and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
7. Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
8. 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).

Water Bread Ingredients: Flour, Water, Yeast, and Salt

Tips for Baking the Perfect Bread with Water

• Water Temperature is Key: Ensure your water is lukewarm, not too hot or too cold. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf. Aim for a smooth and elastic dough.
• Patience is a Virtue: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a light and airy texture.

Similar to How to make bread without gluten, this simple bread recipe with water focuses on showcasing the essential elements of bread making. This foundation is invaluable as you explore more complex flavors and techniques.

“A simple bread recipe with water is the best starting point for any aspiring baker. It teaches you the fundamentals of bread making and allows you to appreciate the magic of yeast.” – Chef Michael Rousseau, renowned bread artisan.

Water Bread Loaf Rising in a Loaf Pan

This fundamental bread recipe with water offers a great alternative, much like the Bread recipe no eggs. It emphasizes the importance of mastering basic techniques before venturing into more complex recipes.

Troubleshooting Your Water Bread

• Dense Loaf: This could be due to under-kneading or not allowing enough time for rising.
• Flat Loaf: This might indicate dead yeast or an oven that wasn’t hot enough.

For those interested in creating lighter textures, How to make bread fluffy and light offers valuable insights and techniques you can adapt for this recipe.

“Understanding how each ingredient interacts is key to mastering any bread recipe. With a simple water bread, you see these interactions clearly.” – Baker Susan Miller, author of “The Art of Simple Baking.”

Baked Water Bread Loaf on a Cooling Rack

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Bread with Water

This bread recipe with water provides a rewarding baking experience, yielding a delicious, crusty loaf with a soft interior. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity and a perfect starting point for your bread-making journey. Now that you’ve mastered this foundational recipe, you might be interested in exploring no-knead options. How to make bread without kneading offers a fantastic alternative for busy bakers. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!

FAQ

1. Can I use other types of flour? While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture, or whole wheat flour for added nutrients.

2. My dough isn’t rising. What should I do? Check the expiration date of your yeast and ensure your water is lukewarm. You might need to start again with fresh yeast.

3. Can I add flavors to this bread? Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even cheese to your dough before kneading.

4. How do I store my homemade bread? Store your cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

5. Can I make this bread in a bread machine? While this recipe is designed for hand-kneading, you can adapt it for a bread machine by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. My bread is too crusty. What can I do? Reduce the baking time slightly or cover the loaf with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

7. Can I use this dough for other recipes? Yes, you can use this basic dough as a base for pizza dough, rolls, or even cinnamon buns.