No-knead bread

No-Knead Bread – A Simple and Delicious Indulgence

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread? This no-knead bread recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. The resulting bread is crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for enjoying alongside various dishes or simply with a bit of butter and jam.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 12-18 hours
Baking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 1 large loaf

Ingredients:
- 900 g all-purpose flour
- 650 ml warm water
- ½ teaspoon dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt

Necessary equipment:
- A heavy cast iron or clay pot with a lid (essential!)
- A large bowl
- A spatula or spoon

A brief history of the recipe:
No-knead bread gained popularity due to its easy-to-implement method, requiring minimal effort. This technique has been popularized by various cooking blogs and cookbooks, becoming a favorite choice for those who appreciate homemade bread but lack the time or desire to deal with kneading dough.

Step by step, how to achieve perfect bread:

1. Preparing the dough (evening):
Start by combining the flour, salt, and dry yeast in a large bowl. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure that the yeast and salt are evenly distributed.

2. Adding the water:
Pour the warm water over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything for about 3 minutes. The goal is to ensure that all the flour is well-hydrated, and any lumps are eliminated. The dough will be soft and sticky, but don’t worry; this is the desired consistency.

3. Fermentation:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature, away from drafts. Ideally, let it rise for 12 to 18 hours. If it’s summer, 12 hours will suffice, but in cooler months, you can opt for 18 hours.

4. Shaping the dough (the next day):
After the dough has risen nicely, sprinkle some flour on the work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface, being careful not to push it too much to avoid losing the air that has built up. It should be very soft, similar to ciabatta dough.

5. Forming the dough ball:
Sprinkle a little flour on the dough to prevent sticking. With wet hands, gently press the dough to release the trapped gases, then shape it into a ball. Place it back in the bowl, covering it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.

6. Preheating the oven:
Place the cast iron or clay pot in the preheated oven at maximum temperature (about 220 °C) and let it heat for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

7. Baking the bread:
Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and let the bread bake for another 15 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

8. Cooling:
Once the bread is baked, remove the pot from the oven and let the bread cool on a rack. It’s important not to cut it immediately, as the crumb will be too moist and gummy. Wait for it to cool completely to achieve the perfect texture.

Practical tips:
- Use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for different flavors and textures.
- Add dried herbs or seeds to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a softer crust, you can bake the bread in a pan with water on the bottom of the oven to create steam.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes! About 15 g of fresh yeast should be sufficient.

- How can I tell if the bread is done?
The bread is done when the crust is nicely browned, and when you tap the bottom, it produces a hollow sound.

- Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, the bread can be frozen! Make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.

Delicious pairings:
Freshly baked bread pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. You can serve it alongside soups, salads, or stews, as well as with flavored butter, fresh cheese, or fruit jam. You can also turn it into a delicious sandwich with your favorite ingredients.

This no-knead bread recipe is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the joy of cooking. Regardless of the occasion, this bread will bring warmth and flavor into your home. Enjoy every slice and relish the simple and satisfying process of baking delicious bread!