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Einkorn Bread

A rustic loaf made with ancient einkorn flour, yielding a nutty flavor, tender crumb, and crackling crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breads and Doughs
Cuisine: Heritage, Mediterranean
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 500 g einkorn flour about 4 cups, spooned and leveled
  • 350 ml water about 1.5 cups
  • 10 g sea salt about 2 teaspoons
  • 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale
  • Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • Dutch oven with lid (5-6 quart)
  • Banneton proofing basket or floured towel–lined bowl
  • Bench scraper or dough knife
  • Instant read thermometer
  • Bread lame or sharp serrated knife
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Combine 500 g einkorn flour, 350 ml water, and 1/4 teaspoon yeast in a large bowl, stirring until a shaggy mass forms; let rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle 10 g sea salt over the dough and fold with a wet hand for 3–4 minutes until cohesive but still slightly sticky.
  3. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Perform a set of stretch-and-folds: lift one edge and fold over, rotating bowl to repeat four times; rest 30 minutes and repeat two more times (total three sets over 90 minutes).
  5. Let dough rise undisturbed for 2–3 hours at 70–75°F until puffy with a 50–75% volume increase.
  6. Gently shape dough into a round boule on a floured surface and place seam-side up in a floured banneton; cover and refrigerate 8–12 hours.
  7. Preheat Dutch oven with lid to 450°F (230°C) for 45 minutes.
  8. Invert dough onto parchment, score a 1/4"-deep slash, and carefully transfer into the preheated Dutch oven.
  9. Bake covered at 450°F (230°C) for 25 minutes, then remove lid and bake 12–15 more minutes until deep golden and internal temperature reaches 205–210°F.
  10. Transfer loaf to a wire rack and cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Cold overnight proof develops flavor; slice only when fully cooled to avoid a gummy crumb.