Homemade no-knead bread with potatoes

No-knead homemade bread with potatoes

Total time: 18-25 hours (including rising)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Homemade bread is more than just food; it is a tradition, an art, and a way to bring warmth into your home. Today’s recipe, no-knead bread with potatoes, is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh bread with a crispy crust and fluffy crumb without the effort of kneading. This bread has a secret ingredient – potatoes – which give it a delicious flavor and a soft texture.

Ingredients needed:
- 1 kg of white flour (choose a good quality flour for excellent results)
- 850 ml of lukewarm water (not hot, but warm, to activate the yeast)
- 1-2 packets of dry yeast (one 7 g packet for a long rise, two for a quick rise)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- 300 g of potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes well. Boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, until they are soft. Then, keep the water in which the potatoes boiled – it’s a valuable ingredient for the bread! Once they have cooled, mash them with a fork or a potato masher, adding a little of the cooking water and the 2 tablespoons of oil. Let the puree cool completely.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the dry yeast. Add the cooled potato puree, salt, and begin to incorporate the water gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon. Make sure there are no lumps. Don’t forget to add water until you reach a total of 850 ml! You will get a soft and sticky dough, perfect for baking.

3. Rising:
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The rising time varies depending on the amount of yeast used: 1 packet – 17-24 hours; 2 packets – 4-5 hours. You will notice that the dough will double in volume, so make sure you have a large enough bowl!

4. Shaping the bread:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and transfer the dough. Shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to work it too much. Let it rise for another 15 minutes.

5. Preparing the oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 220°C. Place a ceramic or cast iron pot in the oven, covered with a lid, to heat it well. This will help create a crispy crust.

6. Baking:
When the oven is well heated, remove the pot (be careful not to burn yourself!) and place the dough inside. Put the lid on and bake for about 20-30 minutes. After this interval, remove the lid to allow the bread to brown. Bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack. A well-cooled bread will have a perfect texture and will be easier to slice.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add dried herbs or seeds (sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin) to the dough.
- Experiment with whole wheat flour or other types of flour for a healthier bread.
- The bread can be stored in cotton bags or tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why should I use potatoes in bread? Potatoes provide moisture and help maintain a soft texture, extending the bread's shelf life.
- Can I substitute dry yeast with fresh yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need about 2-3 times more.
- How can I tell when the bread is baked? Check if it is browned and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.

This no-knead homemade bread with potatoes is perfect to be served alongside warm soups, salads, or simply with butter and jam. It is an ideal recipe to bring a touch of warmth and love to every meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg white flour, 850 ml warm water, 1-2 packets of dry yeast (7 g per packet), 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of oil, 300 g potatoes