This recipe inspired by “Great British Baking Show” Paul Hollywood’s bread recipe is a consistent winner. For a delicious and rustic multi-purpose beginner loaf, this bread is a must.
Bloomer Loaf
Description
From the kneading to watching this loaf bloom beautifully in the oven, this homemade bread is satisfying to make and eat. Enjoy by itself with olive oil + parmesan + salt or as the bread for a incredible sandwich.
Ingredients
Instructions
Create the Dough
- Add the flour into a large mixing bowl. On one side, add the yeast and the other side, add the salt. Add oil and 240 ml of water into the bowl, combining with fingers in a claw shape. Slowly add the remaining 80 ml of water until a scraggly dough beings to form.
Knead the dough
- Pour a small amount of oil onto a work surface. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it turns into a smooth ball with an elastic texture.
- Put the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and leave until tripled in size 1-3 hours.A slower rise will develop better flavor.
Shape the dough
- Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knock out the air with knuckles then flatten into a rectangle. Fold the dough like an envelope in thirds. Then, starting from the far end, roll up with tension to shape the bloomer. Place the dough on a baking sheet with two cups near the ends. Lay a towel or plastic wrap over the cups covering the loaf. Leave until the dough doubles in size - about 1 hour.
Bake the loaf
Use a sharp knife to make a few diagonal slashes across the top at a 45 degree angle.
Pour a liter of water into the preheated roasting tray to create steam and place the loaf on the middle shelf to bake for 25 minutes at 430F, then lower the temperature to 395F for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the crust has a good color.
Leave to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cutting the bread too soon will result in a gummy loaf.
