Homemade Rustic Country Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 250g (2 cups) whole wheat flour 250g (2 cups) whole wheat flour
• 400ml (1 ¾ cups) lukewarm water 400ml (1 ¾ cups) lukewarm water
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 5g (1 tsp) active dry yeast 5g (1 tsp) active dry yeast

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.8g, 0.1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 0.5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
2. 2.
   Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
9. 9.
   Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whole wheat flour — Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and texture to the bread. If you prefer a lighter loaf, you can replace half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. If you're unsure, proof the yeast by dissolving it in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. If it becomes frothy within 5 minutes, it's active and ready to use.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while preheating to create steam.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
• To enhance the flavor, you can add herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough during the kneading process.
• Experiment with different shapes, such as baguettes or rolls, to create variations of this rustic bread.
• If you prefer a darker crust, brush the loaf with water before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Rustic Country Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spreads. Enjoy it as a side with soups, stews, or charcuterie boards.

Presentation advice

Present the Rustic Country Bread on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket. You can sprinkle some flour on top of the loaf for an extra rustic touch.