Soft French Bread

Preparation :5 mins
Cook :0 mins
Total Time :35 mins
Servings :Makes 2 french bread

Ingredients :

2 cups plain flour (maida)
1 1/2 tsp dry yeast
1 tbsp butter
salt to taste
butter for brushing

Method :

Combine the yeast and 2 tbsp of warm water in a small bowl, cover it with a lid and keep aside for 10 minutes.
Combine the plain flour, butter, salt and yeast mixture in a deep bowl, mix well and knead into a soft dough using enough warm water.
Cover the dough with a damp muslin cloth and keep aside in a warm place for 40 minutes.
Dust the plain flour on a flat, dry surface and knead the dough very well for 2 to 3 minutes.
Again cover the dough with a damp muslin cloth and keep aside in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Once again dust some plain flour on a flat, dry surface and knead the dough very well for 2 minutes.Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.Roll each portion of the dough into a 200 mm. (8”) long cylindrical roll and place them on a greased baking tray.
Cover it with a damp muslin cloth and keep aside in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Make 3 slits at regular interval on each bread using a knife.
Bake it in a pre-heated oven at 200°c (400°f) for 25 minutes.
Brush the breads with little melted butter.
Cool slightly and serve.