Homemade Bread with Sunflower Seed Oil

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup of lukewarm water
• 3/4 cup of milk, heated
• 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 7 tablespoons and an additional 1 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil
• 1 teaspoon of fine-grain salt
• 6 cups of all-purpose wheat flour
• Butter, as preferred for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by combining the lukewarm water and hot milk in a large mixing bowl. This mixture should be warm to the touch but not too hot to prevent harming the yeast.
2. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm liquid mixture and add the granulated sugar. Stir gently to combine. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
3. Stir in 7 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil into the yeast mixture. Add the teaspoon of fine-grain salt. These additions will help enrich the bread’s flavor and texture.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose wheat flour to the liquid ingredients, mixing continuously. Begin with adding a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition, until a dough starts to form.
5. Once the dough has formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but do so sparingly to avoid drying out the dough.
6. Place the kneaded dough in a clean, oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
7. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape it according to your preference or fit it into a greased bread pan.
8. Preheat your oven to a temperature recommended for baking bread (usually around 350°F to 375°F). Let the shaped dough undergo a second rise until it puffs up nicely, about 30 minutes.
9. Bake the bread in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Serve your homemade bread with butter to taste. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your freshly baked creation!