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Rustic Stew Loaf

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 C water warm to touch
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ C olive oil
  • 2 ¾ - 3 C all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp thyme optional
  • 1 tsp minced garlic optional

Instructions

  • Combine the warm water (warm to the touch but not hot) and the yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it rest for 5 minutes and then add the salt, oil, and 1 cup of the flour. Give the mixture a stir and add additional herbs and seasonings, if desired, such as 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of herbs of choice. 
  • While mixing, slowly add the remaining flour and continue mixing for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the dough and knead it into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise until doubled. 
  • Once doubled, punch down the dough and reshape into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a piece of parchment paper and allow it to double in size again. During this time, place a dutch oven into the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow both to preheat while the dough rises.
  • When the oven reaches temperature, take a sharp knife and make cuts into the loaf about ¼" deep in the shape of an "X" or a square to allow the dough to rise best in the oven.
  • Lifting the dough by the parchment paper, place the loaf in the preheated dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for 20-30 more minutes until the top is a deep golden brown color.
  • Remove it from the oven and let it cool before slicing and enjoying with the stew.