Quick and Crunchy Bread

This simple bread recipe requires just a few ingredients and is perfect for spontaneous baking. Enjoy its crispy crust and soft interior!

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Baking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus rising time)

Ingredients:

• Flour: 3 cups (preferably white spelled or white wheat flour)
• Warm Water: 1.5 cups
• Salt: 2 heaping teaspoons
• Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons

Directions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, add 3 cups of flour and 2 heaping teaspoons of salt. Mix gently to combine.
2. Add Yeast:
   • Stir in 2 teaspoons of dry yeast into the flour mixture.
3. Add Warm Water:
   • Fill a cup with very warm water. Pour 1 cup into the flour mixture and stir to dissolve the yeast.
   • Add another half cup of warm water, adjusting as necessary to achieve a dough that is not too thick or too runny.
4. Mix the Dough:
   • Use a silicone spoon to mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too thick, add a little more water.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap. You can let it rise:
     • In the refrigerator overnight
     • At room temperature for about 3 hours
     • In a preheated oven at 30°C (86°F) for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) along with a pot and lid (cast iron or oven-safe pot).
7. Shape the Dough:
   • Once risen, fold the dough gently and prepare to transfer it.
8. Transfer to Pot:
   • Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Sprinkle a little flour on the bottom, then place the dough inside. Sprinkle a bit more flour on top.
9. Bake with Lid:
   • Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Finish Baking:
    • After 45 minutes, remove the lid and lower the oven temperature to 200°C (392°F). Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the bread is golden and crusty.
11. Cool and Slice:
    • Once done, remove the bread from the pot and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy with butter, spreads, or alongside soups and salads.
• Perfect for barbecues or as a quick snack.

Cooking Tips:

• Make sure the pot is very hot before adding the dough for the best crust.
• Experiment with adding herbs or seeds to the dough for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this bread is easy and quick to prepare.
• Homemade Goodness: No preservatives or additives, just wholesome bread.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store in a bread bag for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
   • Yes, but the texture may be denser.
2. What if I don’t have dry yeast?
   • You can use fresh yeast, but the amount will differ (generally about 3 times more).
3. Can I add seeds or herbs to the dough?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorites.
4. How do I know when the bread is done?
   • It should be golden brown, and tapping the bottom should sound hollow.
5. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
   • You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
6. Can I make this bread without a pot?
   • You can bake it on a baking sheet, but the crust may not be as crunchy.
7. What’s the best way to reheat leftover bread?
   • Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to restore crispness.
8. How can I make this bread more flavorful?
   • Add garlic powder, cheese, or olives for added flavor.
9. Can I make this bread in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and bake it fresh the next day.
10. What can I serve with this bread?
    • It pairs well with soups, salads, and various spreads.