The Secret to Foolproof Homemade Bread
In an era dominated by complex sourdough starters and intricate baking techniques, one British baker has revealed a remarkably simple solution for perfect homemade bread every time. Sophie Harris, a Senior Audience Writer, has shared her foolproof granary bread recipe that requires just six basic ingredients and minimal effort, proving that exceptional bread doesn't need to be complicated.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
Sophie's method stands out for its incredible simplicity, demanding minimal kneading, no stretch-and-fold techniques, and just a single one-hour resting period. Over years of testing, this approach has never failed her, making it accessible even for complete beginners. The recipe cleverly combines 320g granary flour with 200g white bread flour, creating a delicious blend that includes cracked grains of malted barley for that distinctive flavour and texture.
The other ingredients keep things equally straightforward: 7g fast-action dried yeast, one teaspoon of salt, two tablespoons of light olive oil, one tablespoon of runny honey, and 300ml warm water. Sophie emphasises the importance of positioning the yeast and salt on opposite sides of the flour bowl, as direct contact can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
Simple Steps to Baking Perfection
The method begins by mixing the oil and honey into the warm water before combining everything with the flours. After gentle stirring, the dough requires just 10-12 minutes of kneading – either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Once smooth, the dough transfers directly into an oiled 2lb loaf tin, gets lightly dusted with flour, and rests covered with clingfilm for exactly one hour.
During this resting period, the dough reliably doubles in size, after which it bakes in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) for 32-35 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden brown colour. After baking, allow the tin to cool briefly before transferring the loaf to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Sophie notes another significant advantage: This granary bread stays fresh for three to four days when stored in a bread bag, substantially longer than most white loaves. This combination of simplicity, reliability, and quality makes it an ideal healthier bread option for busy households seeking to incorporate more homemade staples into their diet.
