Home » No-Knead Whole Wheat Peasant Bread: A Rustic Delight

Sep 23

No-Knead Whole Wheat Peasant Bread: A Rustic Delight

Traditional No Knead Peasant Bread | Brent Hofacker

I’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of no-knead bread. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for No-Knead Whole Wheat Peasant Bread – a rustic, hearty loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make!

The Beauty of No-Knead Bread

This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced bread maker, you’ll appreciate the hands-off approach and incredible results. The secret? Time does all the work for you!

What You’ll Need

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (125g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (350ml) warm water

Let’s Get Baking!

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add water: Pour in the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. It will look messy – that’s perfect!
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. Yes, you read that right – overnight is ideal!
  4. Shape the dough: After the first rise, the dough will be bubbly. Gently scrape it onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
  5. Second rise: Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper, dust with flour, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 2 hours.

The Dutch Oven Magic

Here’s where our trusty Dutch oven comes into play. This method creates a steamy environment, resulting in a perfectly crusty exterior and soft, airy interior.

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with the Dutch oven inside.
  2. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place your dough (still on the parchment) inside.
  3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  5. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. (I know it’s tempting, but trust me on this!)

Pro Tips for Perfect Peasant Bread

  • Be patient: The long rise time develops flavor and texture. Don’t rush it!
  • Use warm water: It helps activate the yeast more quickly.
  • Don’t overwork the dough: Less is more with no-knead bread.

Serving Your Masterpiece

This wholesome loaf is perfect for so many occasions:

  • Slice it thick for hearty sandwiches
  • Serve alongside your favorite soup or stew
  • Toast it for breakfast with a smear of butter and honey

Ready to Bake?

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a perfectly baked loaf from your oven. This No-Knead Whole Wheat Peasant Bread is more than just a recipe – it’s an experience. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the simplicity, and get ready to impress yourself (and your lucky taste-testers)!

Get your Dutch oven ready and start baking! 🍞✨

Happy baking, friends!