Dumb Bread Delight

Ingredients

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 390mg

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can be used as a substitute, but it will yield a slightly denser texture.
• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise. Proof the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Salt — Salt not only enhances the flavor but also helps to control the yeast's activity. Do not omit it from the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, brush the top of the bread with melted butter before baking.
• Experiment with adding herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough for a savory twist.
• To achieve a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing it from the oven.
• For a rustic touch, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top of the loaf before baking.
• Leftover bread can be sliced and toasted for a delicious breakfast or used to make croutons for salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Dumb Bread warm or at room temperature. It is perfect on its own, slathered with butter, or used as a base for sandwiches. Pair it with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Dumb Bread on a wooden cutting board or a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. Slice it diagonally to showcase the soft interior and golden crust.