The 3 ways of bread making
Whatever bread recipe you find, at some stage you will have to start kneading the bread. Some recipes call for long 10 minute kneads by machine, whereas others require hardly any touching at all. In Spoon and Pinch’s recipes you will find some recipes by hand, others by bread machine and also bread recipes by thermomix.
But what is the difference between say, a basic white bread recipe made by bread machine or hand (using mixer), or even thermomix?
We have researched, tried and tested the three different recipes. In this article you will read what the differences are between the three different methods, and what our favourite is.
Bread making by hand
So, we started by the basics. By hand is really the longest bread-making method but of course very authentic. It’s especially ideal for those who don’t bake very often and don’t want to invest in a bread-making machine or a thermomix. And, if you are a beginner, you may like starting by hand and perhaps even kneading the dough by hand, as it allows you to analyse the dough and see how it behaves. Of course, it is a lot more time consuming and it makes the kitchen messier as well. We found the flavour is slightly more intense of the dough, as by hand, you add less air, which causes more flavour to develop. Last but not least, it can be very relaxing to make home made bread by hand– that is, if you have a enough time! To speed up the kneading process you can also use a mixer (i.e. Kenwood or Kitchen Aid) using the dough hook.
Thermomix method
Home made bread in the Thermomix really makes your life easy! With the Thermomix, all the ingredients are combined in one pot. The pot doesn’t only knead but also warms, which makes it an all-in-one function. The kneading is only around 2 minutes which makes it quick as well, providing a beautifully elastic dough. Compared to a bread-machine, you do tend to babysit the Thermomix a bit more, for example after the rising is done you will have to intervene. Click here for our fool-proof Thermomix bread recipe.
Bread machine method
This is great, because just as the Thermomix all you are required to do for a lovely home made bread, is dump all the ingredients in the mixer and turn it on. The machine just does all the work, from mixing to kneading, gaining the perfect consistency. Some bread machines even have timers on there, which enables you to prepare all your ingredients and set the amount of hours, so your dough can be ready for early next morning, if desired.
Check out the different recipes, try them and see the one you prefer!
I prefer using the bread maker, although if you don’t have one, the mixer or Thermomix is a good alternative. Using the bread maker gives the dough a good, long, restful rise which benefits it greatly. Always comes out the same, with pliable dough ready to shape into bread or rolls. I don’t often cook a loaf in the bread maker, but if I do, this also comes out light and fluffy and can also be put on timer so that you can wake up to warm bread for breakfast!
Testimonial from
A Spoon & Pinch user