James Beard’S Salt Rising Bread

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A unique, yeast-free sweet bread with a distinct nutty flavor and moist texture.
James Beard's Salt Rising Bread (Ee recipe image
James Beard's Salt Rising Bread (Ee recipe image
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James Beard’S Salt Rising Bread

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 Calories: 14.5

Description

Salt Rising Bread is a traditional Southern American loaf that relies on wild bacteria rather than commercial yeast for its rise. This process results in a bread with a unique, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor profile, along with a moist, cake-like crumb. It requires patience, specifically a long fermentation period to develop the starter. The result is a hearty, comforting bread that pairs beautifully with butter, honey, or savory dishes. While it demands time and attention to temperature, the reward is a rustic, homemade loaf that stands out from standard yeast breads.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Mix together all ingredients for the starter in a bowl.
  2. Cover the starter bowl with a plate and place in a barely warm oven (approximately 80-100&# 194;°F) for 12 hours, or until the top is covered with 1/2 to 1-inch of foam.
  3. Strain the liquid from the salt starter through a sieve set over a large mixing bowl, discarding any solids.
  4. Stir baking soda, milk, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon salt into the strained starter liquid.
  5. Add 2 cups of flour to the liquid mixture and beat until very smooth.
  6. Add 2 1/2 cups more flour, stirring until the dough comes together.
  7. Sprinkle remaining flour over a work surface, turn out the dough, and knead for 10 to 12 minutes until smooth.
  8. Divide the dough in two and form into loaves.
  9. Place loaves in 2 well-buttered loaf pans, cover, and set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 4 to 5 hours.
  10. Preheat oven to 400ðF (204ðC).
  11. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bottom of the loaves sounds hollow when tapped.
  12. Turn loaves out of pans and cool completely on racks before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 14.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.0g0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 2437.5mg102%
Total Carbohydrate 3.8g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 3.8g
Protein 0.0g0%

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

Keywords: salt rising bread, wild yeast, fermentation, southern bread, traditional baking, homemade bread, nutty flavor, moist crumb, no yeast, starter culture, slow rise, rustic loaf, comfort food, american cuisine, baking project, distinctive taste, artisan bread, patience required, warm fermentation
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