Greek Country Bread (No Kneading)

This Greek Country Bread recipe is a simple and delicious way to bake crusty, aromatic bread at home without kneading or long proofing times. The result is a beautifully soft bread with a crispy crust that everyone will love!

×
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour (divided)
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients:

Bread Flour: 500 g (4 cups), sifted
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Dry Yeast: 8 g (2 teaspoons)

• Warm Water: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
• Additional Flour: 100 g (¾ cup) for dusting

Directions:

• • Prepare the Dough:
    • • In a large mixing bowl, sift 500 g of bread flour.
      • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 g of dry yeast. Mix well.
      • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
    • Pour in 400 ml of warm water and mix with a spatula until the dough becomes smooth and liquid.
  • First Proof:
    • • Cover the bowl with cling film and a kitchen towel.

• • • Leave the dough to proof in a warm place for 40 minutes.
  • Shape the Dough:
    • • Sprinkle a clean work surface with 100 g of flour.
    • • Pour the proofed dough onto the floured surface.
      • Stretch the dough by pulling it gently to the sides.
      • Fold the edges towards the center, repeating this process six times to create a soft, uniform dough.
  • Divide and Shape:
    • • Divide the dough into two equal parts.
      • Form each portion into a ball.
    • Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Second Proof:
    • • Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them proof in a warm place for another 20 minutes.
  • Score the Loaves:
    • After the second proof, use a sharp knife to make decorative cuts on the surface of each dough ball.
• • Bake:
    • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
    • Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

• • Cool and Serve:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
    • Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
  • Pair with soups, stews, or salads for a hearty meal.

• Use as a base for sandwiches or toast.
• Enjoy with butter and jam for a simple breakfast.
• Serve alongside a cheese platter for a rustic touch.

Cooking Tips:

• • Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively.
  • Use a bench scraper for easier handling of the sticky dough.
• • For an extra crispy crust, place a tray of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
  • Experiment with adding herbs or seeds to the dough for additional flavor.
  • Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to preserve its texture.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Flour: A good source of carbohydrates for energy.
  • Yeast: Contains B vitamins that support metabolism.

• Homemade Bread: Free of preservatives and artificial additives, making it a healthier choice.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegetarian-friendly.
• Can be made vegan if served without butter or other animal-based toppings.

Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approximate):

• • Calories: 150
• • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 1g

• Fiber: 1g

Storage:

• • Room Temperature: Store in a bread bag or airtight container for up to 2 days.