Bread on the hearth without kneading

No-Knead Oven Bread: A Simple and Delicious Recipe for Bread Lovers

When it comes to baking homemade bread, many of us adore the aroma and texture of a loaf fresh from the oven. This no-knead oven bread recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a loaf with a crispy crust and a soft crumb, but don't want to spend hours kneading the dough. It’s a quick recipe, with a total preparation time of about 3 hours, including rising time, and it will yield 8 delicious slices of bread.

Ingredients:
- 150 ml warm water
- 180 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any preferred oil)
- 25 g fresh yeast (about one cube)
- 600 g wheat flour

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rising time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: about 3 hours
Number of servings: 8 slices

The Story Behind the Recipe:
Throughout history, bread has been a staple food in many cultures, symbolizing nourishment and comfort. This modern no-knead oven bread recipe combines tradition with contemporary technology, offering you a simple way to make bread at home without requiring much physical effort. It's like bringing a piece of that tradition into your kitchen, using accessible ingredients and simple techniques.

Making the Bread:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Use warm water and milk (about 37-40°C) to activate the yeast. It’s essential that the liquids are not too hot, otherwise, you will kill the yeast.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a deep bowl, pour in 600 g of flour. Make a well in the center of the flour to add the crumbled yeast. In this well, add 150 ml of warm water, 180 ml of warm milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

3. Mixing the Dough:
Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients in the bowl. There’s no need to knead; just mix well until all the ingredients are combined and you have a smooth dough. This process should take about 2 minutes.

4. Rising:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1.5 - 2 hours in a warm place, away from drafts. The dough should significantly increase in volume.

5. Shaping the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, grease a baking pan with a little oil. Using a spatula, turn the dough into the pan, shaping it as desired (it can be round or oval, depending on your preference).

6. Second Rising:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. While the oven is preheating, let the dough rise in the pan for another 20-30 minutes. This will help the bread rise even more.

7. Creating Steam for a Crispy Crust:
To achieve a golden and crispy crust, place two cups of water in the oven, under the pan, before baking the bread. The steam in the oven will help create a perfect crust. Alternatively, you can use a small tray of water, which you can remove after 15 minutes of baking.

8. Baking:
Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if the bread is baked by gently tapping the crust; if it sounds hollow, it’s done.

9. Cooling:
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a rack for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow steam to escape, giving you a better texture.

Serving Suggestions:
No-knead oven bread pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings. You can serve it plain, alongside fresh butter, or use it to accompany warm soups, salads, or meat dishes. A slice of warm bread with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt is a simple and delicious choice!

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 8 g of dry yeast and mix it with the flour before adding the other ingredients.

- What can I do if I don’t have olive oil?
You can use any other type of oil, such as sunflower or canola oil, but olive oil adds a pleasant flavor.

- Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Oregano, basil, or even dried garlic can add a wonderful flavor to the bread.

Nutritional Benefits:
This homemade bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. It also contains protein from the flour and can be a healthier option compared to processed bread. Adding olive oil brings healthy fatty acids, beneficial for the heart.

Possible Variations:
You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, to achieve a bread with a unique taste and texture. Also, try adding seeds (sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin seeds) to the dough for an extra crunch.

This no-knead oven bread recipe is simple, quick, and most importantly, delicious. Once you learn how to make it, you’ll want to include it in your cooking routine. So don’t wait any longer! Gather the necessary ingredients and enjoy the pleasure of savoring fresh, homemade bread!