Introduction
Baking bread at home can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. This recipe for rosemary bread brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful loaf with the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary. With a crispy crust and a soft interior, this bread is perfect for serving alongside soups or enjoying on its own.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
1¾ teaspoons (9 grams) sea salt
¾ cup (22 grams) fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
½ teaspoon (2 grams) active dry yeast
1½ cups (341 grams) room temperature water
Prep Time
12 hours (for dough resting)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 50 minutes
Yield: One loaf of bread
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious rosemary bread that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, chopped fresh rosemary, and active dry yeast.
Step 2: Combine with Water
Add the room temperature water to the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until a well-combined dough forms.
Step 3: Let Dough Rest
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean, damp dish towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 12 hours, allowing it to rise and develop flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
Step 5: Prepare the Dutch Oven
Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven using oven mitts and take off its lid.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface and your hands. Gently remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball. If needed, fold the dough a few times to achieve the desired shape.
Step 7: Place Dough in Dutch Oven
Place the shaped dough into the bottom of the hot Dutch oven. Be cautious to avoid burns, as the Dutch oven will be very hot.
Step 8: Bake with Lid
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake without Lid
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread achieves a golden brown crust.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the bread cool. Once cooled, slice and serve. This bread pairs wonderfully with soups and other dishes.
Notes
Time for Rising
Allowing the dough to rest for at least 12 hours is crucial for developing flavor and texture.
Overheating Precaution
Always use oven mitts when handling the Dutch oven, as it will be extremely hot.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is excellent when served warm and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including soups and stews.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dough
Combine flour, salt, rosemary, and yeast in a bowl. Gradually add water and mix until a cohesive dough forms.
Resting the Dough
Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 12 hours at room temperature to promote flavor development and rise.
Shaping the Dough
Flour your hands and work surface, gently shape the dough into a ball, folding if necessary for a tight structure.
Preheating the Dutch Oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with the Dutch oven inside to ensure it’s hot when the dough is placed in it.
Baking with Steam
Bake the dough covered for 30 minutes to create steam, resulting in a moist interior and a crispy crust.
Achieving Crust Color
Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread has a golden brown crust.
Cooling the Bread
Carefully remove the Dutch oven and let the bread cool before slicing to enhance texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What can I use if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
You can use any oven-safe pot with a lid or bake on a baking stone or sheet, though results may vary.
How do I know if the bread is done?
The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I add other herbs or ingredients?
Yes, feel free to add other herbs, spices, or mix-ins like olives or cheese to customize your bread.
How should I store leftover bread?
Store bread in a paper bag at room temperature or wrap it tightly and freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
This flavorful rosemary bread is a delightful addition to any meal, featuring a perfect balance of herbs and a crispy crust. The long fermentation process enhances the bread’s taste and texture, making it not just a side but a centerpiece in gastronomic experiences. Enjoy the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bread that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Rosemary Olive Oil Focaccia
Enhance your bread experience by adding olive oil and sea salt on top of the rosemary dough for a focaccia-style twist.
Herb and Cheese Bread
Incorporate grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, and additional herbs like thyme or oregano for a savory cheese and herb loaf.
Garlic Rosemary Bread
Mix in minced garlic to the dough for a fragrant and flavorful variation that pairs excellently with Italian dishes.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Rosemary Bread
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a Mediterranean flair that offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Rosemary and Sea Salt Crackers
Roll out the dough thinly and cut into shapes to bake crispy crackers, perfect for dipping or enjoying with cheese spreads.
