This traditional village bread is a simple yet delicious homemade bread with a golden crust and soft, airy interior. Made with only a few basic ingredients—wheat flour, yeast, water, and salt—it’s the perfect bread to accompany any meal. The long, slow rise gives this bread a wonderful texture and flavor, making it a timeless staple. Whether you’re new to bread-making or experienced, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- Wheat flour: 4 cups (500 g)
- Dry yeast: 1 ¼ tsp (4 g)
- Warm water: 1 ¾ cups (400 g)
- Salt: 1 ½ tsp (7 g)
Directions:
- Step 1: Place 4 cups (500 g) of wheat flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center.
- Step 2: Add 1 ¼ tsp (4 g) of dry yeast to the well.
- Step 3: Gradually pour in 1 ¾ cups (400 g) of clear warm water and mix well.
- Step 4: Add 1 ½ tsp (7 g) of salt and continue mixing until you form a soft dough.
- Step 5: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Step 6: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and fold it 4-6 times.
- Step 7: Cover again and let it rise for another hour in a warm place.
- Step 8: Prepare a casserole dish by dusting it with flour.
- Step 9: After the second rise, place the dough on a floured table, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and transfer it into the floured casserole dish.
- Step 10: Dust the top of the bread with flour and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Step 11: Make a cut in the top of the bread with a sharp knife.
- Step 12: Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) and bake the bread for 25 minutes.
- Step 13: Reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F) and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Step 14: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite sandwich fillings.
- Pair with soups, stews, or salads for a hearty meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot (around 37°C/100°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- For a rustic look, sprinkle extra flour on top before baking.
- To create a crispy crust, place a small pan of water in the oven to generate steam.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Wheat flour provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.
- Yeast is a source of B vitamins.
- The slow rise enhances the flavor and nutritional benefits of the bread.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Dairy-Free
- Vegan (if served without butter or other animal-based toppings).
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, 1/10 Loaf):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
Storage Tips:
- Store the bread in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The bread has a beautiful golden crust and soft, fluffy interior.
- It’s easy to make with basic ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served alongside soups and stews.
- The long fermentation process gives the bread a rich, deep flavor that you’ll love.
Conclusion:
This village bread recipe is a great way to enjoy freshly baked bread at home with minimal effort. The simple ingredients and method ensure that even beginner bakers can achieve fantastic results. Whether you serve it as a side for dinner or use it for sandwiches, this bread will impress with its soft texture and rustic charm. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your baking rotation!
10 Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half white flour for a lighter loaf.
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast. Use about 12 g of fresh yeast in place of 4 g of dry yeast.
- Do I need a special casserole dish to bake this bread? No, any oven-safe dish will work, but a heavy-bottomed dish like a Dutch oven gives the best results.
- Can I add other ingredients to the dough? Yes, you can add seeds, herbs, or even cheese for extra flavor.
- Why is my dough not rising? Ensure your yeast is active, and the water is the right temperature (not too hot or cold). Also, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking? The bread should be golden brown, and it should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Can I bake this bread on a baking sheet instead of a casserole dish? Yes, but using a covered dish like a casserole or Dutch oven traps steam, helping create a crisp crust.
- How can I make the crust more crispy? You can place a pan of water in the oven to create steam during the first 25 minutes of baking.