Italian Peasant Bread Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🥖 Yield: 1 loaf
🍞 Servings: 12
🥗 Category: Breads
🔑 Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Easy
Description:
Indulge in the simplicity and wholesomeness of this Italian Peasant Bread recipe. With just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a rustic loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 196.6
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 5.1mg
- Sodium: 113mg
- Carbohydrates: 37.7g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 5.7g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Stir until the yeast is fully dissolved and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. |
| 2 | Once the yeast is activated, add the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until a shaggy dough forms. It’s okay if the dough is slightly sticky. |
| 3 | Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step. |
| 4 | Shape the dough into a large round loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 20-30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. |
| 5 | Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has doubled in size, gently brush the surface with melted butter. This will give the bread a beautiful golden crust as it bakes. |
| 6 | Bake the bread in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, you can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C). |
| 7 | Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this Italian Peasant Bread warm with your favorite spreads or alongside soups and salads. Buon appetito! |
Tips:
- For best results, use lukewarm water to activate the yeast. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while water that is too cold may not activate it properly.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the dough rise. This allows the yeast to ferment and develop flavor, as well as giving the bread its light and airy texture.
- If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the bread with melted butter or olive oil immediately after baking. This will help keep the crust tender.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage, just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
This Italian Peasant Bread recipe is a true testament to the beauty of simple, homemade bread. With its rustic appearance and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the satisfying process of baking your own bread from scratch!
