There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. If you've ever wanted to learn how to make homemade bread, then you're in luck. Today, we're sharing our recipe for pan receta, a traditional Spanish bread that's easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
To make pan receta, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to get started. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own pan receta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is bubbly and frothy.
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch the dough down and knead it again for a few minutes. Divide the dough in half and shape it into two loaves.
Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
One of the best things about making your own bread is that you know exactly what's going into it. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for one serving of pan receta (based on 12 servings per loaf):
Calories: 187
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 195mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 5g
Tips and Variations
Now that you have the basics down, here are a few tips and variations to help you make the perfect pan receta:
For a crustier bread, place a pan of water in the bottom of your oven while the bread is baking.
You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to your dough for added flavor.
Try brushing your finished loaves with melted butter or olive oil for an extra rich flavor.
For a sweet variation, add a few tablespoons of honey or sugar to your dough.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or rye, to make your own signature bread.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make pan receta, you'll never have to settle for store-bought bread again. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious loaf of homemade bread that's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking. So go ahead and give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!