Introducing a delightful recipe for Salt-rising Bread straight from the pages of the renowned New York Times Heritage Cookbook! 🍞 This savory delight promises to tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade bread, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Salt-rising Bread Recipe
Preparation Time: 8 hours
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours and 45 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Potatoes |
| 3 1/2 | Cups white cornmeal |
| 2 1/2 | Cups yellow cornmeal |
| 1/2 | Cup sugar |
| 1 | Teaspoon baking soda |
| 1/2 | Teaspoon baking powder |
| – | Salt |
| 7-8 | Cups boiling water |
| 2 | Cups flour |
| 1/2 | Cup milk |
| 1 | Tablespoon butter |
| 1 | Tablespoon salt |
| 1/2 | Cup sugar |
Instructions:
-
Preparation (Day Before Baking):
- Begin by preparing the base mixture the day before baking. In a plastic or ceramic container, combine the potatoes, white cornmeal, yellow cornmeal, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Pour enough boiling water over the mixture to cover it entirely.
- Stir well to combine and then set the container in a warm place overnight. The mixture should develop a foamy texture. If it doesn’t foam, do not proceed with the recipe.
-
Morning Preparation:
- The next morning, carefully pour off the liquid from the mixture and set it aside. Discard the solids.
- Add 1 cup of flour to the liquid and beat until a smooth batter forms.
- Allow the batter to rest in a warm place until it rises.
-
Dough Preparation:
- To the risen batter, add the milk, butter, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 cup of sugar, and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for about 12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
-
Shaping and Rising:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf.
- Grease two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans and place each shaped loaf into a pan.
- Allow the loaves to rise until doubled in size.
-
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the loaves have doubled in size, place them in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
-
Cooling:
- Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of freshly baked Salt-rising Bread, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack any time of the day! Enjoy the warm slices plain, with a spread of butter, or alongside your favorite soup or salad. With its comforting taste and hearty texture, this bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. 🥖
