No-Knead Bread
A very simple no-knead bread recipe, but it requires an overnight fermentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Pour in the water and olive oil, and stir by hand (if you do not mind getting sticky) or with a spatula until fully combined. The dough will be very sticky and look like thick oatmeal porridge.
First fermentation
Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in a warm place (such as an airing cupboard or a warm room) for at least 12 hours. The dough will double in volume.
Shaping and second fermentation
Scrape the dough mixture onto a floured work surface (using the same flour used for the bread) and sprinkle a little flour on top. Fold the dough over itself two or three times, then flip it over so the seams are on the bottom, and shape it into a ball, handling it as little as possible. Oil a large round ovenproof dish, pot or baking tray. Place the dough ball in the dish, cover with a tea towel and leave to rise again in the same warm place for 1-2 hours. The dough will puff up by about half again.
Baking
Place the pot/dish/bowl in an oven preheated to 200°C / 390°F / gas mark 6, with the lid on. Bake covered for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20-30 minutes. The bread should be golden when it comes out and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Place it on a wire rack to cool slightly.