Spicy Fennel Bread

A version of this on another website was way too wet — one problem of measuring by volume, not by weight, and me using weight.

Spicy Fennel Bread

Great sandwich bread.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Resting Time12 hours
Course: Bread

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Dutch oven with lid

Ingredients

  • 335 grams water, room temperature (1½ cups)
  • 1 gram yeast, active or instant (½ teaspoon)
  • 1 pinch granulated sugar
  • 440-480 grams bread flour (~4 cups)
  • 2-4 grams fennel seed (1-2 teaspoons)
  • 1 gram minced onion (1 teaspoon)
  • 3 grams minced garlic (1 teaspoon)
  • 1-2 grams red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • Add water to the bowl of a stand mixer. If using active (not instant) yeast, add yeast and sugar and let sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. If using instant yeast, add yeast and sugar and continue to the next step.
  • Add the flour, fennel seeds, salt, onion, and garlic. Mix on low to combine then on medium for 5-10 minutes until incorporated and smooth, not very tacky.
  • Transfer to a lightly-greased bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let sit for 10-14 hours overnight.
  • In the morning, turn out onto a lightly flowered surface. Knead and form into a boule on parchment paper. (Optional: Use a banneton and when done rising invert onto the parchment paper.) Let rest/rise for 30-40 minutes while the oven heats.
  • Heat oven to 450°F / 230°C
  • Put your Dutch Oven and lid into the oven to heat with the oven. Wait until it's been at temperature for 10-15 minutes before using.
  • Make a couple of slashes in the top of the bread with a sharp knife or lame.
  • Remove the Dutch Oven from the oven, the lid from the oven, and transfer bread and parchment into the Dutch Oven.
  • Replace the lid and put the Dutch Oven back into the heated oven.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake another 15-20 minutes until fully baked and internal temperature reaches 205°F / 96°C
  • Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool an hour before slicing.

Notes

  • Start with 440 grams of flour.  If still too tacky/wet, add the remaining 40 grams.
Spicy Fennel Bread
Spicy Fennel Bread