Quick No-Knead Wholemeal Bread

This Quick No-Knead Wholemeal Bread is the perfect solution for when you need fresh bread in a hurry. Made with a simple mix of wholemeal and bread flour, this no-knead recipe delivers a loaf that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can have homemade bread that’s perfect for any meal.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 400 ml warm water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 13 g dry yeast (about 1 tablespoon)
• 200 g wholemeal flour (1 2/3 cups)
• 300 g bread flour (2 1/2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons salt (12 g)
• 20 ml olive oil (1 1/3 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon black cumin seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large steel pot or glass bowl, mix warm water, apple cider vinegar, and dry yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Add the wholemeal flour, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spatula or spoon until combined; no kneading is required.
3. Incorporate Olive Oil:
   • Pour in the olive oil and mix until the dough absorbs it fully. The dough will be sticky, which is normal.
4. Shape the Dough:
   • Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough to make it easier to handle. Transfer the dough to a 24 cm (9.5-inch) pan lined with baking paper. Use a small saucepan to gently press the dough into shape.
5. Add Toppings:
   • Spray or sprinkle water onto the surface of the dough, which helps create a crispy crust. Spread the dough evenly in the pan and sprinkle with sesame and black cumin seeds if using. Make a few shallow scratches or cuts on the surface for decoration.
6. Bake:
   • Place the pan in a cold oven (do not preheat) and bake at 200°C (392°F) for 50-55 minutes until the bread is golden brown with a crispy crust.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with soups, salads, or simply enjoy with butter and jam for breakfast.
• This bread makes excellent sandwiches or toast.

Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date. If in doubt, let it sit in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5 minutes to see if it foams.
• Adjust Flour as Needed: Depending on the humidity and flour type, you might need a bit more or less. The dough should be sticky but manageable.
• Add Seeds or Nuts: Customize with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts for added texture.

Nutritional Benefits

• Wholemeal Flour: Adds fiber and nutrients, making this bread healthier and more filling.
• Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats, adding richness and moisture to the bread.

Dietary Information

• Vegan-Friendly: This bread contains no animal products.
• Low-Sugar: Contains only natural sugars from the flour, making it suitable for low-sugar diets.

Nutritional Facts (per slice, approximately 12 slices per loaf)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 4 g

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in a bread box or sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: No need to knead or wait long hours for rising; perfect for last-minute baking.
• Crispy and Soft: Achieves the ideal balance of a crispy crust and a soft, airy inside.
• Versatile: Great for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, making it accessible and cost-effective.

Conclusion

This Quick No-Knead Wholemeal Bread recipe is a lifesaver when you need fresh, homemade bread in no time. It’s easy to make with a deliciously crispy crust and tender crumb, perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
   Yes, you can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly less chewy.
2. Why use apple cider vinegar in the bread?
   The vinegar helps strengthen the dough and enhances the bread’s texture and flavor.
3. Do I need to proof the dough?
   No need for extended proofing; the dough rests briefly before baking, which is enough.
4. Can I add other herbs or spices?
   Yes, you can add dried herbs, garlic powder, or onion flakes for extra flavor.
5. What if I don’t have a baking pan of the specified size?
   You can use any pan that allows the dough to spread to a similar thickness.
6. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   Replacing the flours with gluten-free alternatives requires adjustments to the recipe as gluten-free flours behave differently.
7. How do I know if the bread is fully baked?
   The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and have a nice golden crust.
8. Can I omit the olive oil?
   Olive oil adds moisture and richness; omitting it may result in a drier bread.
9. What can I use instead of sesame and black cumin seeds?
   You can top with poppy seeds, flaxseeds, or even leave the bread plain.
10. Can I bake this bread in a preheated oven?
    Baking in a cold oven allows for a gradual rise and a crispy crust, but you can try preheating for a different texture.

Enjoy baking this easy and delicious bread that’s sure to become a household favorite!