No-knead homemade bread

No-Knead Homemade Bread - A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 20 hours
Baking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Total: 21 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Recipe History

Homemade bread has always been a symbol of comfort and culinary tradition. Without specifying countries or regions, we can say that traditional bread-making has always brought people together, playing an important role in family meals. This no-knead bread recipe is an excellent way to enjoy the authentic taste of fresh bread without requiring special kneading skills. With just a few simple ingredients and a lot of patience, you will achieve a dense bread with a crispy crust and a soft crumb.

Ingredients

- 1 kg white flour
- 7 g dry yeast (preferably Dr. Oetker)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 550 ml lukewarm water
- Seeds (optional, for added flavor and texture)
- 1-2 tablespoons oil (for greasing the pan)
- 1 sheet of baking paper
- Aluminum foil
- A large mixing bowl

Preparing the Dough

1. Start by taking a large bowl and adding all the dry ingredients: flour, yeast, and salt. If you want to add seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, sesame, or flaxseed), now is the ideal time.

2. Pour the lukewarm water over the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything until all the water is incorporated. Don’t worry if the dough seems soft and sticky; this is a sign of good dough.

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 20 hours. It’s essential to be patient; even if the dough seems to rise faster, let it do its job.

Preparing for Baking

1. The next day, when the rising time is up, you will notice that the dough has bubbles on the surface, a sign that it has risen correctly. It’s time to prepare for baking.

2. Choose a heat-resistant pot with a lid (e.g., a Pyroflam dish) and grease it with a little oil. Place a sheet of baking paper inside the pot, creating a space to place the bread.

3. On a floured surface, turn the dough out. Sprinkle a little flour on top, then use your hands to stretch the dough. Fold it in half, first the left side, then the right side, then fold it up and down to form a compact shape.

4. Place the dough in the prepared pot, cover it with the lid, and let it rise for another hour and a half.

Baking the Bread

1. After an hour and 10 minutes, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It’s important to have the oven well heated before placing the bread in to achieve a perfect crust.

2. After the 20 minutes of rising, place the covered pot in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is the stage where the aroma will fill the entire house.

3. After this time, remove the lid and brush the bread with a little oil to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Leave it in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

4. When the bread is ready, take it out of the pot onto a cooling rack and let it cool for about 40 minutes. This is when the aroma becomes truly intoxicating, and the crust will become even crispier.

Serving and Variations

This no-knead homemade bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with various toppings, such as butter, cheese, or jam. It is also excellent to accompany soups, salads, or meat dishes.

To add a touch of personality to the recipe, try adding dried herbs (such as rosemary or oregano) to the dough or combining it with different seeds for varied flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers a dense bread rich in carbohydrates that fuel the body. The white flour used is a source of energy, and adding seeds can increase the fiber and protein content. Additionally, consuming homemade bread allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding additives and preservatives found in store-bought bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but note that this will change the texture and may require more water.

2. What can I do if I don’t have a heat-resistant pot?
You can use a regular baking tray, but it is recommended to have a lid or cover with aluminum foil to simulate a humid environment.

3. How can I keep the bread longer?
Bread keeps best in a cloth bag or a plastic container, but not in the fridge, as moisture will affect the texture.

4. Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, the bread freezes very well. Slice it and wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.

This no-knead homemade bread recipe is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the authentic taste of freshly baked bread without needing complicated techniques. Share this experience with your loved ones and turn every meal into a celebration of flavor! Enjoy!