No-Knead Bread – Crispy Crust, Soft Inside

Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture

Pour 1 cup (220 ml) of water into a large mixing bowl. Add ¾ tsp (3g) of fresh yeast or ½ tsp (2g) of dry yeast. Optionally, add 1 tsp (4g) of sugar. Mix well with a wooden spoon until the yeast and sugar are dissolved.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients

Add 1 ½ cups (220g) of bread flour and ¾ cup (100g) of spelt flour to the bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp (6g) of salt over the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until there is no more dry flour and a shaggy dough forms. No need to knead at this stage.

Step 3: First rest

Cover the bowl with a lid and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Stretch and fold the dough

Wet your hand slightly. Stretch one side of the dough upwards and fold it towards the center. Repeat this process for all four sides of the dough. Then, lift the entire dough and slap it back into the bowl. Repeat this 'lift and slap' technique several times until the dough becomes smoother and more elastic.

Step 5: Second rest

Cover the bowl again and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Proof the dough

Let the dough proof for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7: Divide and shape the dough

Sprinkle flour generously on a clean work surface. Gently scrape the proofed dough out of the bowl onto the floured surface. Fold the dough into a rectangular shape to make it easier to cut. Cut the dough into 3 equal parts. Take one piece, flatten it slightly, then fold each piece into a ball, sealing the edges by pinching them together. Rub the dough ball against the work surface to create tension and seal the bottom. Set aside and repeat for the remaining pieces. Let the shaped dough balls rest for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Form the loaves

Take one dough ball and flatten it gently into an oval shape. Roll the dough from one end, pressing down with your fingers to create a tight roll. Seal the edge by pinching it firmly along the length of the loaf. Repeat for the other two dough balls.

Step 9: Final rise

Place the shaped loaves seam-down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover the tray with a clean kitchen towel and let the loaves rise for 30 minutes.

Step 10: Prepare for baking

Lightly sprinkle flour over the risen breads using a small sieve. Gently smooth the flour with your hand. Score the top of each bread with a sharp blade or knife to allow for expansion during baking. Sprinkle a little water around the breads on the tray. Cover the baking tray with another tray of the same size to create a steamy environment.

Step 11: Bake the bread

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the covered breads for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the top tray. Reduce the oven temperature to 390°F (200°C) and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12: Serve and enjoy

Remove the freshly baked breads from the oven. Listen to the 'singing' of the bread as it cools, indicating a perfect crust. Tap the bottom of a loaf; a hollow sound means it's perfectly baked. Slice and serve with butter or your favorite spread.

• Ensure your hands are wet when stretching and folding the dough to prevent sticking.

• The 'lift and slap' technique helps develop gluten without traditional kneading.

• Sprinkling water in the oven creates steam, which contributes to a crispy crust.

• Listen for a hollow sound when tapping the bottom of the bread to confirm it's perfectly baked.

• Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for varied flavors and textures.

• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like garlic powder, to the dough for an aromatic twist.

• Incorporate seeds such as sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.