Ditch Store Bought: Here’s the Ultimate Peasant Bread Recipe Anyone Can Make

Want to give homemade bread a try but feel overwhelmed by complex recipes? We have the perfect solution for you. Try this ultimate peasant bread recipe that is incredibly easy to make. With just a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and your hands, you can create a delicious homemade bread that rivals any store-bought loaf.

This simple recipe requires no fancy equipment or special skills, making it accessible to everyone. Enjoy the satisfaction and aroma of freshly baked bread in the comfort of your own home! Start your bread-making journey today and discover the joy of creating your own delicious loaves.

Why Make Your Own Bread?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why it’s worth making your own bread. Not only is homemade bread healthier as you have complete control over the ingredients, but it also tastes much better. There’s something special about the smell of freshly baked bread that fills your home and the satisfaction of breaking into a warm loaf straight from the oven. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

The Secret to Peasant Bread

The key to this peasant bread recipe is simplicity. There are four basic ingredients: flour, yeast, salt and water. That’s it! No need for special flours or complicated techniques. The result is a rustic loaf with a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior.

The Importance of Proofing

While the ingredients may be simple, there is one step that is crucial in achieving the perfect peasant bread—proofing. Proofing is the process of allowing the dough to rise and develop its flavor. This is done by letting the dough rest in a warm place for a certain amount of time. In our recipe, we suggest proofing for at least two hours, but you can also let it proof overnight for even more flavor development.

To take your peasant bread to the next level, you can use a proofing basket. This traditional tool is used to shape and support the dough during proofing, resulting in a more uniform and professional-looking loaf. You can find these baskets in various shapes and sizes, but any round or oval-shaped one will work for this recipe.

Peasant Bread Recipe

Now that we have all the background information, let’s get into the actual recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast and salt.
2. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Using your hands, knead the dough in the bowl for two to three minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm place to proof for at least two hours or overnight.
5. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently remove it from the bowl onto a floured surface.
6. Fold the dough over itself a few times to shape it into a round loaf.
7. Place the shaped dough into a proofing basket or lined baking dish, seam side down.
8. Cover the basket or bowl with a towel and let it proof for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack.
10. Once the dough has finished proofing, gently transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Score the top of the bread with a sharp knife or razor blade.
12. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.

Experiment With Flavors

Once you have mastered this basic peasant bread recipe, feel free to experiment with different ingredients to add more flavor. You can mix in herbs, spices, or even cheese into the dough before proofing. You can also top the bread with seeds or nuts before baking for an added crunch.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple and delicious peasant bread recipe that anyone can make at home. So ditch the store-bought loaves and impress your family and friends with this homemade bread. Don’t forget to share your creations with your loved ones. They’ll be wanting seconds in no time. With this easy recipe, anyone can become a baker in their own home. So go ahead and try it out. We guarantee you won’t regret it.