Simple white bread loaf

Hi friends, 

I am really happy to say that finally I have made a perfect white loaf. Whenever I plan to make bread ,one thing or the other will not be there or the yeast would not be fresh. So yesterday when I had everything, I decided to make it soon. Baking bread is a dream come true for me.

There is a long list of recipes that I am planning to make. 

As it is , this white loaf needs just 5 ingredients.  But the time taken is 2.5 -3 hrs. I would not say it is easy but definitely a simple one to follow .

I have baked in my combination microwave.  I have not personally cooked in gas. But you may try.

Let's jump to the recipe.  I am too excited 

INGREDIENTS:- 

Maida              :-2 1/2 cups 

Salt                   :-3/4 tsp

Sugar               :-2 tbsp

Dry Yeast         :-1 tbsp

Butter               :-2 tbsp

Combine the yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup warm water in a vessel and mix well. Cover it with lid and keep aside for 10 minutes .This mixture will bubble and turn frothy. Water should definitely be lukewarm. Do not shake the vessel after its mixed well. Then it will not bubble. 

After yeast mixture bubbles, mix flour, salt and the yeast mixture in a deep bowl. Mix well and knead it to a soft dough with water. Add warm water little by little to the dough to make it soft. 

Add 2tbsp of butter to the dough and again knead it till all the butter is incorporated in the dough and dough is elastic. 

Shape the dough into round ball with both hands and tucking edges at bottom. 

Cover with dry muslin cloth and keep aside in warm place for 45 minutes or till the dough is doubled in size.

Deflate the dough after 45 minutes by pressing the dough lightly .

Take the dough out and knead it well again. If it gets sticky add a little bit of flour. Stretch the dough and knead it well.

Flatten the dough into a rectangle by pressing it lightly. 

Once dough is flattened ,roll it into a cylinder and pinch the sides so as to get a perfect loaf.

Place the cylindrical roll in a greased loaf tin and keep it aside for 45 minutes again till it doubles in size in the loaf tin.

Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes at 200°. Then for 20 minutes at 180°.

Cool slightly. Demould the loaf from tin and spread butter on top to make it soft.

Once loaf is completely cooled, cut into 1/2 inch slices.

Serve as desired.

This recipe looks complicated but it is simple when compared to other bread recipes. 

Please try.