Chicagoist: Kneadless or Needless, Bread Either Way

eatzealot

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:29:05 -0600

I made this a few days ago and it was unbelievably effortless and delicious. I second maodfmk - the timing is a cinch. One evening I made the dough around 9 p.m.; the next evening after work I did the other steps and in no time I had an amazing loaf of bread.

maodfmk

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:20:43 -0600

You have the amount of yeast wrong. You only need 1/4 teaspoon. Ive made this recipe probably a dozen times since the article in the Times was printed. The thing about it that makes it convenient is that you can be loose with the times. Ive let the dough sit for 24 hours before going for the 2nd rise. You put the initial dough together before you go to bed--takes about 3 minutes to mix water, salt, yeast and flour. Cover it, and next day when you come home from work you put the yeast on a cutting board for 15 minutes. During that 15 minutes, I make my nightly martini. After Im done with my cocktail, you fold the dough and wrap it in a cloth and let it sit for two hours. Those two hours are taken up by having another cocktail and making dinner. By the time I've cleaned up from dinner, its time to cook the bread. Have a couple of drinks while the bread is cooking and you're in bed by 10 pm.

Eric

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:17:12 -0600

www.breadtopia.com has some videos posted which show the no-knead method pretty clearly and simply. At least I think they're pretty clear and simple.

Jeff

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:43:38 -0600

I've read about this. I wonder how it compares to a similar white-flour bread recipe using traditional kneading. This actually seems like a lot more work to me. I could see how it would make sense for a real bakery that churns out loaves every day, but for the home cook, this just seems like a lot of planning, timing, etc. Still, an interesting read. Do you feel it was worth it? Better than other breads you've made?

cc

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:48:07 -0600

I think the next time I try it (and there will be a next time) I might add a bit of cinnamon and raisins...you know, so it would be cinnamon raisin bread. Tell us how your attempts go...especially if you customize it.

Julie

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:45:26 -0600

Is this food photographed sitting on the floor? Gross!

geekgrrl

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:24:24 -0600

fuckit, it looks delcious either way. i personally like kneading bread; it's a good way to get out daily frustrations. but if i could turn this into a nice wheat or sesame loaf.. mmmm.

michellemybelle

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:06:53 -0600

I saw the NY Times article and thought it was really interesting - I'm glad to read about your effort and now I'm inspired to give it a whirl!