Making Your Own Rustic Bread
Why Try Rustic Bread?
Rustic bread, or pain de campagne, is all about simplicity and tradition. It's a hearty, tasty bread that doesn't need fancy ingredients. Perfect for anyone who loves a slice of homemade goodness!
What You Need:
Flour: 3 cups (mix of whole wheat & white)
Water: 1¼ cups, lukewarm
Yeast: 1 tsp, active dry
Salt: 1 tsp
Let's Get Baking!
Mix the Dry Stuff: In a big bowl, combine your flour and salt. Make it well mixed!
Wake Up Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Wait until it gets frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
Combine: Pour the yeasty water into the flour mix. Stir until it forms a sticky dough.
Knead It: On a floured surface, knead your dough for about 10 minutes. Aim for a smooth and elastic feel.
First Rise: Put the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise. It should double in size, which might take about 1 to 2 hours.
Shape It: Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. No need for perfection, rustic is the key!
Second Rise: Place your shaped loaf on a baking sheet, cover it again, and let it rise for about an hour.
Bake It: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Slash the top of your loaf with a knife (a simple X or a few lines). Bake for about 30-40 minutes. Look for a golden crust and hollow sound when tapped.
Enjoy Your Bread!
Once baked, let your bread cool down before slicing. It's great with butter, jam, or just on its own. Enjoy the taste of tradition made by your own hands!