Expert: Ralph Onesti - 9/15/2011

Question
i would like to know how many loaves of bread can 1kg flour produce.
please send me the simplest recipe of baking a laof of bread

Answer
Hi Op:

How many loaves depends on how you divide.

So, if you make a formula based on 1KG flour, you will have a final product of 1.7kg of dough...approximately. If you divide that into three loaves, you will have 573 grams per loaf.

The simplest formula I can give you has no pre-ferment using all purpose flour:

Flour   1000 grams
Water    700 grams
Salt      18 grams
Yeast     12.5 grams (instant yeast)

Mix all in a mixer on slow until incorporated...about 3 minutes

Mix all on a medium speed until gluten develops...about 3-4 minutes.

Place all in a covered container and let stand at room temperature for one hour.

Remove dough and gently de-gas by folding it over on itself about four times.

Put back in the covered container for one hour.

Again, remove dough and fold it over on itself about four times to gently degas.

Replace in covered container for one hour.

Remove the dough, divide it into three loaves.

Shape into rounds or batards or whatever shape you like. You can shape it into a log and bake it in a pan if you like.

Let the shaped loaves stand covered for 60 to 90 minutes or until just about 1 and a half times the original shape.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at about 460F or 235C with steam for about 30 minutes. Rotate the loaves to let them bake evenly.

The loaves are done when you thump the bottom with your knuckles and they sound hollow.

If you want to check yourself, the internal temperature should be around 200F or about 95C.

Let me know how you do!