An Easy Brown Bread Recipe with step by step instructions. Using fresh yeast and a mix of wholemeal and plain flours. An ideal recipe for the beginner or when you want something simple and easy to make.
Grease a 2lb loaf tin and lightly dust it with flour. Shaking off any excess flour. Leave to one side.
Add the tepid water into a large jug. Add the fresh yeast. Give it a gentle mix.
Place the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and cubed butter.
Using your finger tips, rub in the butter until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre and add the yeast liquid. Bring everything together until a rough dough is formed. Ensure there are no clumps of flour left to mix. Do not be tempted to add more water. This is a slightly sticky dough.
The dough will look a little rough. But don’t worry about that at this time.
Cover the bowl with a pan lid or cling film. Leave in a warm place for 30 mins to allow the dough to develop a little.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured service until you have a nice smooth finish. This can take about 5 mins.
Place the dough back in the bowl. Cover again and leave in a warm place until doubled in size. This may take about an hour or so. It will take longer to rise if your kitchen is a little cooler.
Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Very gently fold over the edges of the dough to a size that will fit your prepared loaf tin. Taking care NOT to knock out any air from the dough.
Carefully place the dough into the loaf tin. Dust with flour and lightly cover with a clean cloth or cling film.
Leave to rise in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size. This may take about an hour or so depending on how warm your kitchen is.
About 20 mins before your loaf is ready to bake. Turn the oven on and preheat to 200 deg c.
It’s crucial that your oven comes up to temperature before you bake. It can make the difference between success and failure. Investing in an oven thermometer will be one of the best things you can do.
Before you place the bread in the oven to bake, use a serrated knife and carefully cut slashes in the top of the dough. Taking care not to cut too deep.
Bake for 40 mins or until baked. The crust should have a deep golden colour. For a dark brown loaf leave to bake a little longer.
Notes
HOW TO CREATE STEAM IN THE OVENI bake my bread using a steam oven. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.If you don’t have a steam oven. The alternative is to place a suitable tray at the bottom of your oven whilst it is heating up, ready to take your cup of water. This way instant steam is created.Take care when pouring the (cold) water into the tray. Also when opening the door during baking. The steam will be extremely hot and can be dangerous if you get too close to the oven when opening the door.