Salt-Rising Bread

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Servings: 10 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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Traditional Southern Unleavened Loaf with Tangy Starter
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Salt-Rising Bread

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 10 servings Calories: 2749

Description

Salt-rising bread is a unique, unleavened loaf that relies on a bacterial starter rather than yeast for its rise. This recipe creates a distinctive starter using boiled potatoes, cornmeal, and honey, which ferments to produce a tangy, slightly sour flavor profile. The result is a tender, airy bread that is perfect for sandwiches, stuffing, or simply served warm with butter. While it requires patience for the starter to activate, the effort yields a deeply satisfying, homemade loaf that stands out from standard white breads.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place thinly sliced potatoes, 3 teaspoons salt, honey, and cornmeal in a stainless steel bowl.
  3. Cover the mixture with boiling water.
  4. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let stand in a warm place (around 90°F) for about 15 hours to create the starter.
  5. Drain the mixture, discarding the potatoes, and reserve the liquid.
  6. In a mixer bowl, combine baking soda, remaining 2 teaspoons salt, and 3 cups of flour.
  7. Add the reserved potato water and mix on slow speed for about 5 minutes to form a "sponge."
  8. Scrape the sponge into a mixing bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until bubbles form, about 1 1/2 hours.
  9. Meanwhile, combine milk and olive oil in a small saucepan.
  10. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.
  11. Return the sponge to the mixing bowl.
  12. Add the lukewarm milk mixture and slowly incorporate the remaining 5 cups of flour.
  13. Knead with a dough hook for 7 minutes, or by hand until smooth and elastic.
  14. If the dough is too sticky, add up to 3/4 cup additional flour as needed.
  15. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and place each into a greased loaf pan.
  16. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume.
  17. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 2749kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17.9g28%
Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
Cholesterol 1.6mg1%
Sodium 3120mg130%
Total Carbohydrate 557.8g186%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g97%
Sugars 20.7g
Protein 73.1g147%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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