German Bread

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours

Intensity:

• Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and vinegar.
   • Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
3. Knead Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape Dough:
   • Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Bake:
   • Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Information (per slice, assuming 12 slices per loaf):

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 390mg

Enjoy your homemade German bread!