White bread without kneading

No-Knead White Bread: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

In a world filled with complicated recipes and advanced techniques, no-knead white bread presents itself as a true culinary indulgence for cooking enthusiasts, even for those with little experience in the kitchen. This simple and effective recipe will help you achieve a fluffy, flavorful bread with a golden crust that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma of freshness. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicacy, so you can enjoy a perfect result every time.

Preparation Time:
- Total time: Approximately 3 hours (including rising time)
- Baking time: 55-70 minutes
- Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:
- 750 g white flour (type 55)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast (or 30 g fresh yeast)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 600 ml lukewarm water (not hot)

Necessary Utensils:
- A large bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap or lid for covering
- A pot or oven-safe container with a lid
- Parchment paper (optional)

Brief History of the Recipe
Bread is a staple food of humanity, with deep roots in the culinary history of many cultures. No-knead bread, in particular, has gained popularity in recent decades due to its simple and efficient technique, allowing anyone to achieve delicious bread without much effort. This preparation method relies on fermentation, meaning the yeast has enough time to work and develop rich flavors.

Step by Step to Perfect White Bread

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Add the dry yeast and salt. If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in 100 ml of lukewarm water from the 600 ml specified. Once dissolved, add it to the flour along with the remaining water. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous dough. Don’t worry if the dough is soft and sticky; this is perfect!

2. Fermenting the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a suitable lid. Ensure it is in a warm and humid environment to facilitate fermentation. Let the dough rise for about 2 hours. If the room temperature is above 20°C, 1.5 hours will be sufficient. You can place the bowl in the turned-off oven to provide a consistent warm temperature. You will notice that the dough will become full of air bubbles and will rise significantly.

3. Preheating the Oven
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 240-250°C. If your baking container tends to stick, place a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom or heat the pot in the oven so that it is hot when you add the dough.

4. Transferring the Dough to the Container
Wet your hands with a little flour and carefully peel the dough from the bowl using a spatula. Turn it into the prepared container. Cover again with the lid and bake covered for 40-50 minutes. It is important to adjust your baking time according to your oven's power.

5. Final Baking
After this time, remove the lid and reduce the oven temperature to 180-200°C. Let the bread bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until it develops a golden and crispy crust. Test if it is baked by tapping lightly on the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it is ready!

6. Cooling the Bread
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This will allow the steam to escape, keeping the crust crispy.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the Flour: Type 55 flour is ideal for this recipe, but you can also experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for a different texture and flavor.
- Yeast: If you don’t have dry yeast, you can use fresh yeast, ensuring to dissolve it before adding it to the dough.
- Spices and Flavors: For a personal touch, you can add dried herbs, sesame or flax seeds, or even chopped olives to your dough.
- Serving: This bread pairs perfectly with butter, jam, or as a base for delicious sandwiches. You can serve it warm, alongside a hot soup or a fresh salad.

Possible Variations:
- Herb Bread: Add fresh or dried herbs to the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Olive Bread: Incorporate chopped green or black olives for a savory option.
- Nut and Dried Fruit Bread: Add chopped nuts and dried fruits for a sweet and crunchy taste.

Nutritional Benefits:
Homemade white bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing you with long-lasting energy. It is also much healthier than processed bread, as it contains no additives or preservatives. By using whole ingredients, you can control the quality and quantity of the components.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why shouldn’t we knead the dough?
The no-knead technique allows the yeast to develop more complex flavors and a lighter texture. It is a simpler method and ideal for beginners.
- How do I know when the bread is ready?
The bread is ready when the crust is crispy and, if you tap it on the bottom, it sounds hollow.
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the result will be a denser bread.

This no-knead white bread recipe is not just a simple way to enjoy warm and fresh bread, but also an opportunity to explore and experiment in the kitchen. Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. So, put on your apron and let’s enjoy the magic of cooking together!