Buttermilk Crusty Bread

The method used is perfect for everybody and is a wonderful way to start baking with yeast. All you have to do is blend the ingredients together in a bowl (no kneading involved) and leave the dough to rest, shape the dough, bake and enjoy a magnificent homemade delicious healthy crusty bread.

Ingredients make 1 loaf

600 ml buttermilk

500 g white bread flour

10 g salt

1 packet yeast (7g)

Method

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with a big spoon until sticky rough dough is developed, approx. 60 seconds. Cover the bowl with food wrap and allow the dough to rise for 8 - 12 hours at room temperature. Sprinkle some flour on the dough and mold into a round ball. Place the dough on a piece of baking paper and sprinkle flour on top. Allow rising for 2 hours under a tea towel. Preheat oven to 250º C normal bake and if available place a baking stone on the second bottom rack. Cut some slashes on the top of the dough and slide the paper with the dough balls onto the baking stone. Bake for 10 minutes and lower the heat till 220°C. Bake for further 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow cooling for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Note: Try adding chopped walnuts to the dough.