Best Horiatiko Psomi Crusty Country Bread Recipes

GREEK BREAD RECIPE (VILLAGE BREAD/ HORIATIKO PSOMI)

Steps:

• To prepare this easy Greek bread recipe, start by adding in a large bowl the water, yeast and sugar. Use a fork to completely dissolve the yeast in the water. Set aside for about 5 -10 minutes to activate the yeast. Note: if you don't have fresh yeast substitute for dried - just use one third of the quantity stated.
• Add half the flour a little bit at time whilst mixing with a spoon. Add the olive oil and salt and the rest of the flour and mix with a spoon until all the flour has been absorbed. At this point the dough should be sticky on your hand.
• Knead the dough a little bit with your hands until it's elastic and form into a ball. Place the dough inside a lightly oiled large bowl and cover with cling film.
• Let the dough rise at room temperature for 10-12 hours (or overnight).
• Deflate the dough. Sprinkle semolina on a large working surface and transfer the dough on the surface. Using a sharp knife divide the dough in 2 equal pieces. (This Greek Bread recipe makes 2 loafs of bread).
• Knead each piece of the dough with your hands just enough to have a nice and smooth dough that doesn't stick too much on your hands (for about 3 minutes). Sprinkle the dough with semolina (2-3 tbsps) when kneading the dough.
• Form 2 round loafs and place inside a casserole dish or clay pot with a lid. Score the top of each loaf using a sharp knife. Place the lid on the casserole dish.
• Preheat the oven at 250C/ 480F. Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on and another 15 minutes or so with the lid removed, until nicely coloured and crusty.

PSOMI - GREEK BREAD

Steps:

• Sift flour into a mixing bowl and place into a low oven to warm.
• Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water, then stir in remaining water, salt, and sugar.
• Remove flour from oven; take 2 cups of flour from the bowl and set aside.
• Make a well in the remaining flour and pour in the liquid; stir in a little of the flour until the liquid gets thick, then cover the bowl and leave in a warm place until the mixture is frothy, about 10 minutes.
• Stir the rest of the flour into the liquid, and add the butter/oil gradually, beating with a wooden spoon or mixing with your hands until smooth (about 10 minutes), or alternatively, use a dough hook/mixer for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle a little flour onto a board, and turn the dough out; gradually mix in some of the flour you had set aside earlier.
• Only knead in enough to keep the dough from sticking; dough is ready when it is satiny, and the surface is slightly wrinkled; shape into a ball.
• Oil the dough, and place in bowl, making sure the top side is oiled completely; cover bowl with plastic and allow to rise in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
• Punch down and make into 2 pieces; turn onto floured surface, and form each into a torpedo-shape.
• Grease baking sheet and sprinkle with semolina; place the dough well apart on the sheet and cut 4 diagonal slashes across the dough; cover with a cloth and allow to proof in a warm place until doubled again, about an hour.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Place a dish of boiling water on the bottom of the oven; spray bread lightly with a mister and bake in preheated oven for approx 35-40 minutes; after first 15 minutes, mist again with water, then again 10 minutes later.
• Cool on a rack when done.