Are you seeking comfort and warmth during the postpartum period? Look no further than this easy no-knead bread recipe! As a doula, I understand the importance of providing comfort and support during the postpartum period. What better way to do so than with the comforting smell of freshly baked bread?
Traditional Overnight No-Knead Bread
If you're a fan of slow-rise recipes that develop rich flavors, the traditional version is for you.
Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups (430 grams) high-grade/bread flour
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 40°C)
Instructions:
1. Mix the dough: Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Stir in warm water until well mixed. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
2. Shape the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, fold it to form a round ball, and let it rest while preheating the oven.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 230°C with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the dough into the Dutch oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15minutes until golden brown.
4. Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Faster 2-Hour No Knead Bread
Short on time? No problem! This faster version delivers a freshly baked loaf in just a couple of hours. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups (430 grams) high-grade/bread flour
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 7 grams (2 1/4 tsp) of active dry yeast
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 40°C)
Instructions:
1. Mix the dough: Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Stir in warm water until well mixed. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Follow steps 2-4 from the traditional recipe above.
Customisations and FAQs
- Experiment with add-ins like garlic, herbs, or Parmesan cheese for different flavour variations.
- Adjust salt levels or top with flaky sea salt for different tastes.
- If you don't have high-grade/bread flour on hand, all-purpose flour works just fine.
- Adjust salt levels or top with flaky sea salt for different tastes. - No Dutch Oven? No problem! Just follow the steps below:
No Dutch Oven Method:
Use 20cm/8” square metal pan (or similar but NOT glass as this may shatter). Place in oven on middle shelf where bread will bake (or shelf under if tray won’t fit on same shelf), preheat oven. Boil kettle. Place paper with shaped dough on a baking tray. When you put the bread in, work fast as follows – place bread in oven, fill pan with boiling water, shut oven door = makeshift dutch oven steamer effect! Bake for 40 minutes or until your bread is a deep golden brown.
Whether you opt for the slow and steady traditional method or the quick and convenient faster version, homemade no-knead bread is within your reach. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking delicious bread right in your own kitchen. Roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and savor the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, nurturing that essential feeling of comfort during the postpartum period.