Peasant Bread
Rustic peasant bread with a hearty crust and soft interior, perfect for everyday meals or casual gatherings, showcasing simple ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add yeast mixture and remaining water; stir until combined.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Stir dough down.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Place each half in a greased 1-quart round casserole or ovenproof bowl.
- Brush tops with butter and sprinkle with poppy seed.
- Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don’t have poppy seeds, sesame seeds or even a sprinkle of grated cheese can work well on top. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. If you prefer whole grain, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This Peasant Bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups or stews, making it an excellent companion for a bowl of chili or a rich vegetable soup. You can also serve it alongside a cheese platter or enjoy it with spreads like hummus or butter. For a delightful dessert, consider finishing the meal with a slice of Nectar Cake or Baked Caramel Custard.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peasant Bread contains roughly 522 calories, with 14g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the dissolving step. The rise times may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the dough as it rises.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and check the water temperature; it should be warm but not hot. If the dough still doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer environment or giving it more time to rise.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cheese to the dough for added flavor. Just be sure not to overload it, as this can affect the rise and texture of the bread.
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).