Everyone can enjoy the wholesome and healthy goodness of homemade bread with this simple 4-ingredient no-knead recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it also focuses on using healthy ingredients for a nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- Whole Wheat Flour: 3 cups – Adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your bread for a more nutritious option.
- Water: 1 1/2 cups – Lukewarm water activates yeast effectively, eliminating the need for kneading.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s gluten.
- Instant Yeast: 1/4 teaspoon – Contributes to the bread’s rise and texture.
Instructions:
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir the dry ingredients to distribute the yeast and salt evenly. Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until well combined, forming a sticky dough. No kneading required!
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature (around 70°F or 21°C) for 12-18 hours. This long rise time helps develop flavors, texture, and makes the grains easier to digest.
Shape the Dough:
After the first rise, the dough will double in size and become bubbly. Transfer it onto a well-floured surface and fold it over itself a few times to shape it into a rough ball. Place the dough ball on a piece of parchment paper to make it easier to transfer later.
Second Rise:
Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour, covered with a clean towel. At the same time, preheat a Dutch oven with the lid on to 450°F (230°C) in the oven.
Baking:
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven after the second rise. Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it gently into the Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and return it to the oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling:
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This resting period allows the bread’s structure to set and flavors to develop.
Conclusion:
This easy 4-ingredient no-knead bread is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without the fuss. Made with whole wheat flour, it is not only easy to make but also healthier. Serve it with soup, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil. Say goodbye to complicated bread-making and hello to delicious simplicity!