Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. For those who love the idea of homemade bread but are intimidated by the thought of kneading dough for hours, fear not! With this simple and delicious recipe for No Knead Bread, you can achieve that artisanal taste and artisanal bread texture with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for beginners or for anyone looking to simplify their bread-making process.
Title: No Knead Bread
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– Cornmeal, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Pour the warm water into the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky and rough, but that’s perfectly fine.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight. The long resting time allows the dough to ferment and develop its flavor.
4. After the resting period, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or a similar oven-safe pot with a lid into the oven as it preheats. This will help create a steamy environment for the bread to bake and develop a crisp crust.
5. While the oven is preheating, generously flour a clean work surface. Using a bowl scraper or your hands, gently shape the dough into a ball by folding the edges towards the center. The dough will be soft and delicate.
6. Sprinkle cornmeal onto the work surface to prevent the bread from sticking. Place the dough seam side down onto the cornmeal and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest while the oven continues to heat.
7. Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven and uncover it. Gently transfer the dough into the hot pot using the towel to avoid burning yourself. Be cautious as the pot will be very hot.
8. Cover the pot with the lid and place it back into the oven. Bake the bread for 30 minutes covered. Then, uncover the pot and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the bread is beautifully golden brown.
9. Once baked, carefully remove the pot from the oven and transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Allow the bread to cool for at least an hour before slicing into it. Enjoy your delicious homemade No Knead Bread with butter, jam, or any of your favorite toppings.
Whether you’re a bread-making novice or just seeking a hassle-free recipe, this No Knead Bread will impress you with its simplicity and incredible flavor. Give it a try and savor the satisfaction of baking your own loaf of artisanal bread at home.
