Online Reporter
This bread is incredibly easy to make, and it is not just delicious, it is nutritious, too. While it takes a bit of time to prepare, the effort is well worth it.
You will love the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and that first bite into the warm, soft loaf is simply divine. I used a combination of brown flour and mhunga (pearl millet) for fantastic results. Enjoy this bread as is, or with your favourite spread, accompaniments and beverage. Let us get started.
Ingredients
Three cups brown flour;
One cup mhunga (pearl millet);
One-and-a-half cups lukewarm water;
Four tablespoons oil;
Three tablespoons brown sugar;
One-and-a-half teaspoons instant yeast;
One teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Gather your ingredients. In a bowl, combine the flour, pearl millet, yeast, sugar and salt. Whisk them until they are well combined. Make a well in the centre, then add the water and oil.
2. Stir well with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
3. Lightly dust your working surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, or until it is soft, smooth and elastic. Lightly grease the bowl you used earlier with oil and put back the dough.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. (I usually use a wet paper towel first, then a dish towel on top.)
5. Place the bowl in a warm area for about an hour or until the dough doubles in size.
6.Once the dough has doubled, punch the air out of it. Grease your loaf tin, then place your dough inside, making sure it fits comfortably.
7. Again, cover the dough with a wet paper towel, cling wrap or a dish towel to prevent it from drying out as it proofs for the second time. Place it in a warm spot.
(Remember, “to proof” means to rise)
8. Allow it to rise for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
In the meantime, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
9. When the bread has almost doubled in size, bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown.
10. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush it with melted butter or margarine.
Let it cool for about 15 minutes before attempting to remove it from the tin to prevent it from breaking. Enjoy! — Zimbokitchen
