To prepare a delicious and fluffy bread, start by preparing the necessary ingredients. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, butter, and yeast, making sure that the salt does not come into direct contact with the yeast, as the latter can be inhibited by direct salt. This step is crucial for achieving proper dough rising.
Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, begin to add water gradually. It is essential to mix with your hands so that all the ingredients integrate evenly. Continue kneading for about 4 minutes until all the flour from the sides of the bowl is incorporated into the dough, and it becomes homogeneous.
After this stage, place the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Start kneading the dough with your palms, applying moderate pressure for about 5 minutes. This process will activate the gluten in the flour, giving it the desired elasticity and structure. Once the dough has been properly kneaded, place it back in the bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm room for 1 hour, away from drafts. You can, for example, leave it on the countertop covered with another bowl.
After the dough has doubled in volume, it’s time to shape it. Place it back on the lightly floured work surface and form it into a round shape, being careful not to press too hard to keep the air trapped inside. Prepare a large baking tray, lining it with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Place the dough in the prepared tray and cover it again, letting it rise for another hour.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Before placing the dough in the oven, sprinkle a little flour on its surface to give it a rustic look. Use a sharp knife to make 9 shallow cuts in a diverging line pattern on the surface of the dough, which will allow steam to escape during baking, helping to form a crispy crust.
Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, during which the delicious aroma of the bread will spread throughout the house. Once the bread has taken on a beautiful golden color, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This step is important as it allows steam to escape, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, the bread is now ready to be enjoyed. You can slice it and serve it with butter, cheese, or anything else you like. This bread recipe is not only simple but also extremely satisfying, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience.
Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, begin to add water gradually. It is essential to mix with your hands so that all the ingredients integrate evenly. Continue kneading for about 4 minutes until all the flour from the sides of the bowl is incorporated into the dough, and it becomes homogeneous.
After this stage, place the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Start kneading the dough with your palms, applying moderate pressure for about 5 minutes. This process will activate the gluten in the flour, giving it the desired elasticity and structure. Once the dough has been properly kneaded, place it back in the bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm room for 1 hour, away from drafts. You can, for example, leave it on the countertop covered with another bowl.
After the dough has doubled in volume, it’s time to shape it. Place it back on the lightly floured work surface and form it into a round shape, being careful not to press too hard to keep the air trapped inside. Prepare a large baking tray, lining it with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Place the dough in the prepared tray and cover it again, letting it rise for another hour.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Before placing the dough in the oven, sprinkle a little flour on its surface to give it a rustic look. Use a sharp knife to make 9 shallow cuts in a diverging line pattern on the surface of the dough, which will allow steam to escape during baking, helping to form a crispy crust.
Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, during which the delicious aroma of the bread will spread throughout the house. Once the bread has taken on a beautiful golden color, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This step is important as it allows steam to escape, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, the bread is now ready to be enjoyed. You can slice it and serve it with butter, cheese, or anything else you like. This bread recipe is not only simple but also extremely satisfying, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 500 g of freshly sifted white flour and additional flour for dusting the work surface - 13 g of finely ground sea salt - 60 g of butter at room temperature (soft but not melted) cut into pieces - 8.4 g of dry yeast - 300 ml of warm water