No-knead homemade bread

No-Knead Homemade Bread: A Simple Recipe Full of Patience and Love

If you desire a homemade bread with a crispy, flavorful crust, you've found the perfect recipe. This no-knead bread is easy to make, but it requires a little patience. In about 22 hours, from the moment you mix the ingredients until you enjoy a warm slice, you will discover the magic of cooking. This recipe is inspired by Mr. Daniel Drugea from Canada, to whom we thank for this delicacy.

Preparation time: 20 hours (including rising time)
Baking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Total: 22 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 kg high-quality white flour
- 7 g dry yeast (Dr. Oetker)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 550 ml lukewarm water (about 37°C)
- Seeds (optional, for added texture and flavor)

For rising and baking:
- A heat-resistant pot with a lid (ideal Pyroflam)
- 1-2 tablespoons oil (for greasing the pot)
- 1 sheet of parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
- A large mixing bowl

Step by Step - Your Guide to Perfect Bread

1. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the yeast and salt. If you decide to add seeds, this is the right time. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even sesame can provide a unique flavor and texture.

2. Adding the water:
Pour the lukewarm water into the bowl and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until all the water is incorporated. It's normal for the dough to be stickier and softer, but don't worry! It will become wonderful during the rising process.

3. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 20 hours. Patience is key here! Even if you notice the dough rising faster, do not lift the wrap. Let it do its job!

4. Prepare your tools:
The next day, when the dough has risen and has bubbles on the surface, it's time to prepare the pot for baking. Grease the heat-resistant pot with oil and place a sheet of parchment paper inside, creating a space where the bread will bake.

5. Shaping the dough:
On a floured work surface, turn out the dough. Sprinkle a little flour on the dough as well. Gently stretch it with your hands, then fold it. Fold the left side, then the right side, then the top over the bottom and vice versa. This will help create a beautiful structure for the bread.

6. Second rising:
Place the dough in the prepared pot, cover it with the lid, and let it rise for another hour and a half. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

7. Baking:
After the 20 minutes have passed, place the covered pot in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. After this time, remove the lid, brush the bread with a little oil, and let it brown for another 10-15 minutes. You'll notice a beautiful crust forming.

8. Cooling:
When the bread is ready, remove it from the pot onto a cooling rack and let it cool for about 40 minutes. This step is essential to allow air to circulate and keep the crust crispy.

My Personal Tip
A proper slicing can make a difference! Use a sharp knife to cut the bread. It's best to wait a bit after taking it out of the oven to ensure it doesn't crumble.

Nutritional Benefits
This homemade bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustainable energy throughout the day. White flour is rich in fiber, and the optional seeds add a boost of protein and essential fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a richer taste and higher fiber content. I recommend starting with 50% whole wheat flour and 50% white flour.

2. What seeds can I add?
Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or even flax seeds are excellent. They not only enhance the flavor but also provide a crunchy texture.

3. How can I keep the bread fresh?
Homemade bread is best kept in a cloth bag or a bread box. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as moisture can affect the texture.

Serving and Pairings
This bread is delicious when served warm, with butter or extra virgin olive oil. You can pair it with soups, stews, or cheeses for a perfect meal. Additionally, a toasted slice is ideal for breakfast, alongside jams or honey.

Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add olives, dried herbs, or even caramelized onions to the dough for a bread with unique flavors.

In the end, don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and leave your personal touch in every recipe! Your homemade bread will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!