Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delicious twist on classic bread? Meet the Quick and Easy Anadama Bread—a delightful blend of cornmeal and all-purpose flour that creates a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for any meal. This American staple is not only simple to make but also delivers a warm, comforting aroma that will have your family flocking to the kitchen! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread in less than an hour. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure; read on to discover the secrets to baking your very own Anadama Bread!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal and warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the cornmeal and allow it to absorb the liquid.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in a small amount of the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- Add the dissolved yeast, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour to the cornmeal mixture. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, springing back when pressed.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the final rising period.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter or egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your warm water is between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C) for optimal yeast activation. Too hot or too cold can hinder the rising process.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop gluten for a better texture.
- Perfect Rising Environment: If your kitchen is cool, create a warm rising environment by placing the dough in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on. This will help the dough rise beautifully.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. Patience is key to achieving that light and airy loaf!
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
- Storage Tips: Store your Anadama Bread in a sealed plastic bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer freshness.
- Customization: Feel free to add ingredients like herbs, cheese, or nuts to the dough for a unique twist on this classic recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 176kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
