No-knead bread

No-Knead Bread Recipe: A Delight Easily Prepared

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 16 hours
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 16 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8

The History of No-Knead Bread

Bread has been a staple in the human diet for centuries, and preparation methods have evolved over time. No-knead bread is a modern technique that combines simplicity with delight, offering an easy alternative for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh bread without considerable effort. This recipe will give you a loaf with a crispy crust and a fluffy crumb, requiring minimal work, perfect for accompanying everyday meals or impressing guests.

Ingredients

- 500 g white flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 350 ml warm water

Ingredient Details

White Flour: Choose a high-quality flour with a high gluten content for optimal bread texture. Type 650 flour is perfect for this recipe.

Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast provides a more intense flavor and richer aroma compared to dry yeast.

Salt: Essential not only for taste but also for controlling fermentation.

Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and develop a beautiful crust.

Olive Oil: Contributes to the moisture and texture of the bread.

Warm Water: Ensures yeast activation and good hydration of the flour.

Step by Step: Making the Bread

1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm water and the 3 teaspoons of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure that the yeast is active and ready to work wonders in your dough.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. After the yeast has activated, add the yeast mixture to the center of the flour, along with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Start incorporating the flour around the liquid mixture, gradually adding the remaining warm water (about 250 ml) until you achieve a wet, sticky dough. It is important not to knead excessively; just mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. Resting the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 16 hours. This resting time allows the flavors and texture to develop, resulting in a tastier and fluffier bread.

4. Shaping the Dough: The next day, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Sprinkle a bit of flour on the work surface and turn the dough out. Gently shape it into an oval form without kneading it too much. This will be the final shape of your bread.

5. Preheating the Pot: Choose a pot with a lid (preferably cast iron or ceramic) and place it in the oven at 220°C for 30 minutes to heat up. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy crust.

6. Baking: When the pot is hot, carefully remove it from the oven. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and place it in the pot. Cover with the lid and put it back in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes until it is beautifully browned.

7. Cooling and Serving: After the bread is baked, remove it from the pot and let it cool on a rack. It is tempting to slice the hot bread, but wait a few minutes for the textures to settle. This bread is delicious served plain, with butter or olive oil, but can also be paired with cheeses, cold cuts, or soups!

Tips and Practical Advice

- Flavor Variations: You can experiment by adding dried herbs, garlic powder, or seeds (chia, sesame) to the dough for a different flavor.
- Whole Wheat Bread: If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour. Adjust the amount of water as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
- Bread with Flavorful Crumb: Add olives or nuts to the dough for a surprising and flavorful crumb.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of bread (approximately 100 g) has about 266 calories. It provides complex carbohydrates, fiber (if using whole wheat flour), and protein. Freshly baked bread is an excellent source of energy, perfect for starting the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount (about 7 g for this recipe). Activate the dry yeast in warm water with sugar, just like fresh yeast.
- Is it necessary to knead the dough? No, that’s the beauty of the recipe – there’s no need to knead! The dough will develop during the resting period.
- Can I freeze the bread? Absolutely! The bread freezes very well. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Your no-knead bread will be perfect served warm, alongside a creamy vegetable soup or as a base for a delicious sandwich. You can accompany it with a fresh salad or a plate of cheeses and fruits for an elegant appetizer.

This no-knead bread recipe is the perfect choice for any cooking enthusiast, regardless of experience level. Try it, and you will discover the joy of baking bread at home with minimal effort and spectacular results!