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Rustic Artisan Loaf Recipe

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4 from 61 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 14 hours (including 12-18 hour fermentation)
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Rustic Artisan Loaf boasts a crisp, golden crust with a chewy, airy interior, made from simple pantry staples. Ideal for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoyed as a flavorful table bread, it uses a long fermentation process to develop deep flavor and an appealing texture.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups (375g) bread flour
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

  • 1½ cups (360ml) warm water

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Add Water and Form Dough: Pour the warm water into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms, making sure there are no dry spots.
  3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, allowing it to ferment and develop flavor.
  4. Shape Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently shape the dough into a round ball without deflating all the air bubbles.
  5. Rest Dough: Let the dough rest on the floured surface for 30 to 45 minutes while the oven is preheating, which helps relax the dough for better oven spring.
  6. Preheat Dutch Oven: Place a Dutch oven (with the lid) inside the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to get the pot extremely hot before baking.
  7. Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the dough ball into the preheated Dutch oven using floured hands or parchment paper. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam, which creates a crisp crust.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and crispy.
  9. Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the interior to set properly.

Notes

  • The long fermentation time enhances the flavor and texture, producing a more complex loaf.
  • Using bread flour is essential to achieve the desired chewy crust and structure.
  • Store the bread at room temperature in a paper bag or bread box for up to 3 days for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European Artisan Bread

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/rustic-artisan-loaf-recipe/