Artisan Bread Recipe
Table of Contents
ToggleIngredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 800g wheat flour (about 6 1/2 cups)
- 7g dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 25g salt (1 1/2 tsp)
Wet Ingredients:
- 540g water (about 2 1/4 cups)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 800g flour, 7g yeast, and 25g salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add 540g water while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Stir until a rough, sticky dough forms. Adjust with more flour or water if necessary.
2. Let the Dough Rest:
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Fold the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Fold the dough over itself three times to develop elasticity.
4. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) and place a Dutch oven (or a similar heavy pot with a lid) inside to preheat.
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
5. Cool the Bread:
- Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- With spreads: Serve with butter, jam, or honey.
- For sandwiches: Use it for hearty sandwiches.
- With soups or stews: Perfect for dipping in soups or stews.
- Toast: Top with avocado, cheese, or any of your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips:
- Measuring ingredients: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure flour and water accurately.
- Water temperature: Use room temperature or slightly warm water to activate the yeast.
- Dutch oven alternatives: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use any ovenproof pot with a lid or a covered baking dish.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Whole grains: Using whole wheat flour boosts fiber content and provides essential nutrients.
- Low-fat: This recipe is low in fat, making it a healthy addition to your meals.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarian diets.
- No added sugar: Contains no added sugars.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approx. 12 Slices Per Loaf):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from the freezer.