- 1
Ingredients
- Makes 1 loaf
- What You Need
- Ingredients
- 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (two packets)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Equipment
- Dutch oven
- large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave
Preparation
Step 1
Proof the yeast: In the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer put the yeast, sugar, and water and let it sit.
Preheat the oven and the Dutch oven: Heat the oven to 450°F. Put a Dutch oven (or one of these alternatives) in to warm as the oven heats.
Add most of the flour, salt, and vinegar to the yeast and knead for 5 to 7 minutes: Now that the yeast has had a few minutes to bubble up, add 3 cups of the flour as well as the salt and vinegar and beat for several minutes with the paddle. Add the last 1/2 cup of flour and switch to the dough hook and beat for seven minutes. Alternately, knead vigorously for five minutes, or until the dough becomes extremely elastic. This will still be a wet dough, but not goopy. The dough will clear the sides of the bowl but still stick to the bottom.
Shape the dough into a ball and rise in the microwave for 25 seconds: Lightly grease a microwave-safe bowl with vegetable oil and transfer the bread dough to it, rolling it in the oil. Cover the bowl with a very wet towel. Cover the whole thing with a dry towel and put in the microwave. Microwave on HIGH for 25 seconds.
Let the dough rest in the microwave, then microwave again. Let rest in the microwave for about five minutes. Microwave on HIGH for another 25 seconds, then remove. Let rest and rise for another 15 minutes.
Shape the dough and move to the preheated pan. Shape into a ball and plop into the preheated pan. Quickly slash the top with a knife. Cover and bake for about 30 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 210°F.
Per serving, based on 8 servings. (% daily value)
Calories 229 Fat 1.1 g (1.7%) Saturated 0.2 g (0.8%) Carbs 45.9 g (15.3%) Fiber 1.9 g (7.7%) Sugars 1.8 g Protein 7.9 g (15.8%) Sodium 251.7 mg (10.5%)