Takaku Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 8g (1 1/2 tsp) salt 8g (1 1/2 tsp) salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg 1 large egg

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a rough dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into 8 equal portions.
7. 7.
   Take one portion of dough and roll it out into a rectangle shape.
8. 8.
   Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, and then roll it up tightly from one end to the other.
9. 9.
   Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the remaining portions of dough.
10. 10.
    Place the rolled dough portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.
11. 11.
    Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
12. 12.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
13. 13.
    Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread flour — Bread flour is recommended for this recipe as it has a higher protein content, resulting in a better texture. If you don't have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bread may be slightly less fluffy.
• Instant yeast — Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If you're unsure, you can proof the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and waiting for it to become foamy before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a fluffy texture, make sure to knead the dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Letting the dough rise in a warm place is crucial for proper fermentation. You can place it near a warm oven or in a slightly warmed microwave.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate, cream cheese, or savory options like ham and cheese.
• For a shiny crust, brush the rolls with an egg wash before baking.
• Store any leftover Takaku Bread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Takaku Bread warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or paired with various fillings such as jam, butter, or even as a sandwich bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Takaku Bread rolls on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown crust. You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance.