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Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe

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Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe: Simple and Delicious

This no-knead bread recipe is perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a simple way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread. With minimal effort and just a bit of patience, you’ll have a soft and fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your favorite meal. The best part? No kneading required!

Ingredients

  • 200ml water (approximately 0.85 cups)
  • 25g sugar (about 2 tsp)
  • 3g yeast (approximately 1 tsp)
  • 300g bread flour (around 2 cups)
  • 3g salt (about ½ tsp)
  • 20g olive oil (approximately 2 tsp)

Preparation Time

  • Active Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding resting time)
  • Resting Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Baking Mold: Use a mold measuring 20.8 cm (L) x 11.8 cm (W) x 11 cm (H) for a 450g loaf.

Instructions

1. Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:

  1. Combine 200ml of water, 25g of sugar, and 3g of yeast.
  2. Stir until the sugar and yeast dissolve completely. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add 300g of bread flour and 3g of salt to the wet mixture.
  2. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

3. Incorporate Olive Oil

  1. Add 20g of olive oil to the dough and mix it in thoroughly using a spatula. The dough will become slightly smoother but still sticky, which is normal.

4. Rest the Dough

  1. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
  2. This resting period allows the dough to start rising without the need for kneading.

5. Stir the Dough Again

  1. After 20 minutes, stir the dough again to help it rise and become more structured.
  2. This step replaces traditional kneading, making it a true no-knead bread recipe.

6. First Rise

  1. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

7. Shape the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface or silicone mat.
  2. Flatten the dough gently and fold it in half four times, then shape it into a ball.

8. Divide and Shape

  1. Divide the dough into three equal parts.
  2. Roll each piece into a ball by gently pressing and rolling the dough between your hands.

9. Rest Again

  1. Let the dough balls rest for 15 minutes, covered with a towel, to relax the dough.

10. Form the Loaf

  1. Roll each dough ball into a long strip, fold the edges, and roll tightly.
  2. Place the rolled dough into a greased or parchment-lined baking mold.

11. Final Proof

  1. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place, or until the dough fills 80-90% of the mold.
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12. Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Once the dough has risen, bake it for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

13. Cool and Serve

  1. After baking, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the mold for a few minutes.
  2. Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Perfect No-Knead Bread

  • Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is lukewarm (not too hot) to properly activate the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate.
  • Olive Oil: The olive oil helps add moisture and flavor to the bread, but you can experiment with other oils like vegetable or sunflower oil if you prefer.
  • Shaping the Dough: Be gentle when shaping the dough to avoid pressing out too much of the air that has built up during the rise.
  • Baking Time: Check your bread around the 25-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.
  • Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour, but bread flour will yield a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

2. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size during the first rise. To check if it’s ready, lightly press a finger into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s ready for the next step.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator during the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

4. What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

Feel free to experiment with add-ins like herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme), garlic, seeds, or even cheese to enhance the flavor of the bread.

5. How do I know if my bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. Alternatively, you can insert a thermometer into the center of the bread; it should read around 88°C (190°F) when fully baked.

With this easy no-knead bread recipe, you can enjoy fresh homemade bread with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and perfect for any occasion!

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