When it comes to baking bread at home, the thought of kneading dough often evokes images of timeconsuming processes and a mess of flourcovered countertops. However, the beauty of noknead bread offers a wonderful solution for those who wish to enjoy the rustic flavors of French bread without the fuss. Easy to prepare and downright delicious, this French small bread boasts a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior, making it perfect for any meal. Here, we’ll explore an easy home cooking method to create your own noknead French crispy small bread.
Ingredients:
To create your French noknead bread, you will need the following ingredients:
3 cups allpurpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
Optional: Herbs, garlic, or cheese for flavoring
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast, stirring until evenly distributed. Create a small well in the center and pour in the warm water.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix the ingredients until they are combined. The dough will be shaggy and sticky, which is exactly what you want. Avoid overmixing; you just need to ensure that all the flour is incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This long fermentation process allows gluten to develop naturally, giving the bread its texture without the need for kneading.
2. Shaping the Dough:
Once the dough has risen and bubbled up, it’s time to shape it. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out, being careful not to deflate it too much. With floured hands, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself a few times to form a rough ball. This should take only a minute or two; the goal is to maintain the air bubbles.
3. Second Rise:
Transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for another 1 to 2 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size. During this time, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), placing a Dutch oven (with the lid) inside to heat up as well.
4. Baking the Bread:
Once your oven and the Dutch oven are preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven using oven mitts. Take hold of the parchment paper with the bread and gently lower it into the Dutch oven (the parchment will act as a sling). Brush the top with a bit of water or a sprinkle of flour if you like. Cover the pot with its lid and place it back in the oven.
Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. This creates steam, which helps develop that coveted crispy crust. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid and bake for an additional 1520 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
5. Cooling and Enjoying:
Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the inside to firm up, making it easier to slice.
Now, the only thing left to do is cut into your magnificent creation! The aroma of freshbaked bread will entirely fill your kitchen, and the crispy crust will crack delightfully as you slice through. Serve it warm with butter, dip it in olive oil, or pair it with cheese and wine for a true French experience.
Conclusion
This noknead French crispy small bread offers an extraordinary yet simple way to bring the charm of French bakeries into your home kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy the taste and texture of homemade bread that rivals the finest artisanal loaves. So grab your flour, activate your taste buds, and start baking a loaf that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Bon appétit!