Method
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add the bread flour to a large mixing bowl.
Add the instant yeast.
Add the salt.
Add the sugar.
Stir everything together until evenly combined.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour the warm water into the bowl.
Add the softened butter.
Mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl with the vegetable oil.
Place the dough into the bowl and turn it once to coat lightly with oil.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Leave in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the risen dough to remove excess air.
Transfer it to a work surface.
Shape the dough into a loaf.
Place it into a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf tin.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaf tin with a kitchen towel.
Leave to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 2cm (1 inch) above the rim of the tin.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the loaf in the center of the oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the loaf tin.
Place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve.
Yield
1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
Prep Time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
