Whole Wheat Bread

To bake bread at home was like a dream come true for me.I always wanted to, don't know why, but I was not at all confident about baking breads.
The recipes I have, had the bread baked in a water-bath, which seemed complicated to me.
This time I had to overcome my fears for  the sake of my little one. He likes bread n jam, but I mostly avoid it thinking of the added preservatives. Once while searching for another recipe I stumbled upon this bread recipe on Sharmis passion. It was a simple one so decided to give it a try. And I am very happy with the result.
 For the first time my little bread lover got a whole slice of bread to eat.

Ingredients

• Atta  -  2 1/2 cup
• Instant Yeast  -  1 1/4 tsp
• Oil  -  4 tbsp
• Sugar  - 3 tbsp
• Salt  -  1 tsp
• Water -  1/2 cup ( lukewarm) + 1/2 cup

Method

• Dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup lukewarm water, add yeast and set aside for 10 minutes.
• If the yeast is good the solution will become frothy by this time.
• In a bowl mix together salt and atta, add yeast mixture and oil to this. Add remaining water little by little and knead to make a soft dough. The quantity of water may vary so use accordingly.
• Knead for another 10 to 15 minutes. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and set aside for 1 to 2 hrs or till the dough have doubled in size.
• Punch down and knead for 5 minutes. Roll the dough into log shape.
• Place the dough into a well greased bread tin or loaf pan. Let it rest for 45 minutes.
• If u don't want crust, cover with a wet cloth.
• Once the dough have risen well bush the top with some milk and bake in 180 degree preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Cool in tin for 15 minutes and then remove from tin, cool completely on wire rack.

Notes

• Can reduce the quantity of sugar and oil.
• To check whether the bread is done, tap on the top it should sound hollow.
• Do not cut the bread when it is hot.
• After removing from tin can brush the top with butter or ghee for better taste.
• Wheat breads have a dense texture.