Army Bread
Army Bread is a simple, hearty rustic bread with a natural leavening flavor, suitable for outdoor baking, camping, or bread enthusiasts seeking a traditional, no-fuss loaf.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather and steep lungwort lichen overnight in lukewarm water to act as yeast.
- In the morning, add enough flour to create a good batter from the leavened mixture.
- Place the sponge in a warm place and cover with a cloth to rise.
- By evening, the dough will have risen. Save some of the leaven for future use.
- Leaven the dough overnight and bake the next morning. Do not freeze the bread.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you can't find lungwort lichen, you can use a commercial yeast alternative, but adjust the hydration level accordingly. Using whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and improve nutrition. Be sure to monitor the dough during the rising process, as temperature can affect the yeast's activity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Army Bread warm, sliced thick, with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple treat. It pairs beautifully with Beet-Rhubarb Compote for a sweet and tangy contrast. For a more substantial meal, enjoy it alongside hearty stews or as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with your favorite ingredients.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Army Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring it retains moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Army Bread contains roughly 188 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2222mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of regular flour for this recipe?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe. It will provide a slightly different texture, but the bread will still turn out delicious. Just ensure to measure accurately to maintain the right hydration level.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise as expected?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your environment; it might be too cold. You can try moving it to a warmer spot, or if using commercial yeast, ensure it’s fresh and activate it properly before adding it to the dough.
How can I modify this recipe to make it vegan?
This recipe is already vegan since it doesn't include any animal products. However, if you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough. This will improve the texture and keep the bread moist without compromising its vegan aspect.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).