No Knead Bread is a type of bread that doesn’t require the traditional kneading process that many other bread recipes do. Instead, it relies on a long resting time to develop gluten and flavor. The recipe became popular in the early 2000s, after a New York Times article featuring the recipe by baker Jim Lahey went viral. One of the benefits of no knead bread is that it’s a low-effort, low-mess way to make homemade bread. It also allows for a lot of experimentation and customization, as the recipe can be adapted to include different flours, mix-ins, and seasonings. Additionally, because it’s a slow-rising bread, it’s thought to be more easily digestible and may have some health benefits.
Here’s a detailed recipe for No Knead Bread:
Serving size and preparation time:
The serving size of this no knead bread recipe will depend on the size of the loaf you make, but typically it can serve 6-8 people.
In terms of preparation time, the hands-on time for this recipe is only a few minutes, as the majority of the time is spent waiting for the dough to rise. The initial mixing and shaping of the dough should take no more than 10-15 minutes, and the resting time is 12-18 hours. Once the dough is ready, baking time is around 45 minutes. So, the total preparation time is about 13-19 hours, with just a few minutes of active work.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the warm water to the bowl and stir until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be wet and sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and become bubbly.
- After the resting time, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a cast iron Dutch oven or other heavy oven-safe pot with a lid into the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes.
- While the oven and pot are heating, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest until the oven and pot are heated.
- Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven and remove the lid. Place the dough ball into the pot and cover with the lid.
- Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Carefully remove the bread from the pot and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
That’s it! This no knead bread is a simple and delicious way to make homemade bread with minimal effort. Enjoy!
Why No Knead Bread is famous?
No Knead Bread is famous for several reasons:
- It’s easy to make: This bread recipe requires very little effort and skill to make, as there’s no kneading involved. This makes it accessible to beginner bakers or those who don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
- It’s cost-effective: The ingredients required for this bread recipe are simple and affordable, making it an economical choice compared to store-bought bread.
- It has a great texture: The long resting time allows the dough to develop a chewy, crispy crust and a tender, airy crumb. Many people find that the flavor and texture of no knead bread is superior to store-bought bread.
- It’s versatile: The basic no knead bread recipe can be adapted to include different flavors and mix-ins, such as herbs, cheeses, or nuts. This means you can customize it to suit your tastes.
Overall, the no knead bread recipe has gained popularity because it’s a simple, cost-effective way to make delicious, artisan-style bread at home.
