You know before I started making the sourdough bread I did experiment with some no knead bread which was really easy to make.
I am unsure of how I first came across it, but it was a revelation really. If you want to make bread, and don’t want to do any kneading, or stuff around with sourdough starters, then this is a good alternative.
No Knead Bread
It is so easy. You do use commercial yeast and it does have to sit around for a while, but it is amazing how well it turns out.
It isn’t the same as sourdough and you won’t get that unique flavour you get with it, but it is still bread. It is still homemade and tastes great.
Below I have attached a video from Jenny Can Cook. Her recipe was the first one I used. Though it is a faster version, but you don’t have to do it quite that way.
I would mix it all up the night before. Use cold water in it. Then put it on the bench overnight. I did cover it with plastic wrap.
In the morning you pretty much just turn it and do a few things, then put in something else before it goes into the oven. The video below has all the details.
I’m sorry to see that Jenny stopped making the videos. She is still around and you can follow her elsewhere.
No Dutch Oven
While she uses a Dutch Oven to cook her bread you don’t have to have one. In fact, when I first started I didn’t. I used a big saucepan and lid that could go in the oven.
You can use Pyrex dishes, or Corningware if you have that instead. If you don’t have something with a lid, then try putting a dish with some water in it in the oven to help create the steam.
I am sure you would have something you can use.
If you try it out let me know.
I love this recipe and may try it sometime. I did wonder how hot “very hot” water is. I understand that she is trying to make the recipe easy but too hot can kill the yeast. I am thinking hot would be 130 degrees Fahrenheit. (or 54 degrees C)
It is almost fool proof, I think. If I can make it anyone can. I would do it with cold water and let it sit overnight. Works really well that way too. I don’t know what temperature she uses. I’ve only done it with cold water. Let me know if you do it Lena.
The no-knead bread looks great with the crack across the top!
yeah, there is something about the crack on top that makes it. Thanks Chris.
You may have hit upon something that will make me take up bread making again. I had to quit since I was gaining weight just slathering butter on hot pieces of homemade bread straight from the oven. But this seems so doable and so pretty . . . I just may have to try again to restrain myself and savor only one piece! Hmmm.
haha, it is an easy way to make it, and it is amazing how well it turns out. Yeah, you do have to be careful with what you put on it. Let me know how you go if you try it again Rusha.
I watched the video, thank you for sharing Leanne, yet I still love my sourdough bread over yeast bread.
Yeah, I have to admit since I started with the sourdough I haven’t made this one since. I am with you.
I used to make that bread after my wrists became arthritic and used to hurt when I tried to knead bread the normal way but then I bought my food processor. I didn’t believe at first that one minute in a food processor was as good as fifteen minutes kneading but it’s so quick and easy it has become my go to method. Feels like cheating really. It’s fun to try different ways of making bread though isn’t it?
I have trouble with hands and wrists now too, so kneading is really hard. I often use my kitchenaid for kneading and it works really well too. Good to hear you found a way to make bread RJ. It is fun trying different ways.
Yum! I saw a similar version on a Paul Hollywood program – a guy in New York made it, but the longer version with cold water. I am definitely trying this!
It is pretty hard to fail with this one Zelmare. I used cold water too. Good luck, let me know if you try it.