Discovering the Art of Easy Artisanal Breads with No Knead Magic
Falling in love with bread is easy, especially when it’s artisanal, adorable, and astonishingly simple to make. Today, let’s delve into a recipe that transforms four basic ingredients into the most charming artisanal bread rolls you’ve ever seen – no kneading required!
The Wonder of Four-Ingredient Bread
Yes, you read that right. Just four ingredients and a bit of patience are all it takes to create these delightful bread rolls. This recipe is a game-changer for those who love bread but dread the thought of complicated baking processes.
The Recipe: A Dream Come True
Creating these artisanal bread rolls is like conducting a symphony of simplicity. Here’s how:
- Blending the Basics: Mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Adding Hydration: Stir in 1½ cups of warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Remember, no overmixing or kneading!
- Patience in Rising: Let the dough rest and rise for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours, to develop those beautiful air pockets.
- Forming the Rolls: On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and divide it into 6 smaller balls. Let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheating Perfection: Heat your oven to 450°F with your baking dish inside (a baking sheet or Dutch oven works great).
- Baking Brilliance: Place dough balls on parchment paper in the preheated dish, add a water bath in the oven for steam, and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the water bath and bake for another 30 minutes until golden.
Adapting for Gluten-Free Needs
- Gluten-Free Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that’s designed for bread-making and includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of gluten.
- Hydration Adjustments: Gluten-free flours often absorb more liquid. You may need to add a little extra water to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Rising Time: Gluten-free doughs can sometimes take longer to rise. Be patient and give it the time it needs.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- No Knead Needed: The absence of kneading means you can enjoy making bread without the extra effort or skill.
- Time is the Secret Ingredient: The long rise time allows natural flavors to develop, making each bite a revelation of taste.
- Artisanal Quality at Home: Achieve bakery-level quality bread in your own kitchen.
Customizing Your Experience
- Flour Options: Experiment with different types of flour like whole wheat or a gluten-free blend.
- Yeast Variations: If instant yeast isn’t available, active dry yeast can be used; just activate it first.
- Salt Tweaks: Play with different kinds of salt like sea salt or Himalayan pink for varying flavor profiles.
- Baking Methods: A Dutch oven can create an even more artisanal crust, but a regular baking sheet does the job beautifully.
The Joy of Baking Artisanal Breads
This recipe isn’t just about baking bread; it’s about embracing a simpler, more enjoyable approach to baking. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for a hassle-free baking experience.
An Invitation to Bake and Enjoy
Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a curious beginner, these no-knead artisanal bread rolls are a delight to make and a joy to eat. So, why wait? Grab your ingredients, and let’s embark on this bread-making adventure. Happy baking!
4 Ingredient Artisanal Bread Rolls!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour
- ½ Tsp instant yeast
- 1 Tsp salt
- 1 ½ Cups Warm Water
Instructions
- In a bowl combine all purpose flour, instant yeast and salt.
- Add in warm water, and mix until a shaggy dough forms. You absolutely don’t want to over mix or knead this dough, or you won’t have those beautiful air bubbles!
- Cover and allow to rise for 8 hours minimum and 24 hours maximum!
- Transfer your dough to a well floured surface and form your dough into a ball. Divide that into 6 smaller balls (create dough balls by flattening out your dough and pinching all the corners to the centre until a smooth ball forms.) Cover and allow to rest for 30 min.
- In the meantime, preheat your oven to 450 degrees and place your baking dish (I’m using a baking sheet but you can use a dutch oven too) into the oven empty and allow it to preheat for 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the baking dish and place a piece of parchment paper on it along with your dough balls. Fill a different baking tray with boiling water to create a water bath, place in on the bottom rack of your oven and your breads on the top. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove water bath, move your breads to the bottom tray and bake for 30 min or until a golden crust forms.
- Enjoy!!
