Traditional country bread: the homemade recipe for unfailing rustic bread

Want to rediscover the authentic taste of country bread like in the bakery? This recipe from homemade bread with natural sourdough allows you to make a rustic round bread with a crispy crust and a soft crumb. Easy to prepare, even without Thermomix, this bread will delight the whole family.

Ingredients :

• 500g of T65 wheat flour (or mixture for special breads)
• 100g of natural leaven (or 20g of fresh yeast baker)
• 300ml lukewarm water
• 10g of salt
• Optional: seeds (flax, sunflower) for topping

Preparation :

1. Preparation of sourdough (if you don’t already have one):

• Mix 50g of flour with 50ml of lukewarm water in a jar.
• Cover with a cloth and leave to ferment at room temperature for 24 hours.
• Repeat for 5 days until the mixture is bubbly and slightly sour. Your fermented dough is ready.

2. Preparation of the dough:

• In a large bowl (or the bowl of Thermomix), mix the flour and salt.
• Add the leaven (or the fresh yeast crumbled) and lukewarm water.
• Mix until you obtain a homogeneous paste. If you are using a Thermomix, mix for 5 minutes in kneading mode.

3. Kneading:

• If kneading by hand, work the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
• Form a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
• Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 2 hours at room temperature, until the dough doubles in volume.

4. Shaping the bread:

• Punch down the dough by gently pressing it with your hands.
• Shape it into one round bread or a loaf (elongated bread) according to your preference.
• Place the bread on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or in a cast iron casserole dish for standard baking pressure cooker bread.
• Cover and let sit for 1 additional hour.

5. Cooking:

• Preheat your oven to 240°C with a dish of water at the bottom to create steam.
• Sprinkle the bread with flour and make incisions on the top with a blade.
• Bake for 15 minutes at 240°C, then lower the temperature to 200°C and continue cooking for 25 to 30 minutes.
• The bread is done when it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.

Video :

Tips and tricks:

• Homemade bread : Making your own bread allows you to control the ingredients and avoid additives.
• Sourdough : Using a natural leaven provides a unique flavor and better preservation.
• Special breads : Personalize your bread by adding seeds, dried fruits or mixing different flours.
• Thermomix : This device makes kneading and mixing the dough easier.
• Home bakery : With a little practice, you will obtain bread worthy of an artisan baker.

Why is this recipe essential?

Country bread is a timeless classic, appreciated for its thick crust and honeycomb crumb. Making this recipe at home, without a sophisticated robot, allows you to reconnect with the baking tradition and enjoy authentic, healthy and delicious bread.