Artisanal Bread Baking: Techniques for Creating Rustic Loaves

By Sneha Nambiar

Hand Mixing

Embrace hand mixing for a rustic feel allowing the dough to maintain an uneven and textured appearance.

Longer Fermentation

Extend fermentation for enhanced flavor achieving a robust taste and aroma in rustic loaves.

Artisanal Shaping

Practice artisanal shaping techniques giving rustic loaves a more irregular and visually appealing appearance.

High Hydration

Use higher hydration levels for a rustic open crumb structure creating a chewy and airy texture.

Sourdough Starter:

This natural leavening agent is made from a fermented mixture of flour and water. It captures wild yeast and bacteria, giving your baked goods a unique tangy flavour and chewy texture.

Dutch Oven Baking

Utilize a preheated Dutch oven for baking creating a crisp and hearty crust on rustic loaves.

Minimal Kneading

Minimize kneading to maintain a rougher texture contributing to the rustic character of the final bread.