🌿🍞 No-Knead Rosemary Bread (No Eggs, No Butter – Mediterranean Style)

A rustic, aromatic loaf infused with fresh rosemary and extra virgin olive oil — completely egg-free, butter-free, and no kneading required. This simple Mediterranean bread develops flavor through slow fermentation, creating a golden crust and soft, airy interior.

It’s:
✔ Vegan
✔ Dairy-free
✔ Egg-free
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Crispy outside, fluffy inside

---

📝 Description

This rosemary bread captures the essence of Mediterranean baking — simple ingredients, olive oil richness, and fragrant herbs. The dough rests instead of being kneaded, allowing gluten to develop naturally.

Fresh rosemary perfumes the loaf while olive oil keeps the crumb tender. Perfect for dipping into olive oil, serving with soups, or pairing with roasted vegetables.

Minimal effort. Beautiful results.

---

🛒 Ingredients (1 rustic loaf)

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 1½ tsp sea salt

• 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

Optional:

• Flaky sea salt for topping

• Extra rosemary for garnish

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Mix (No Kneading Needed)

In a large bowl:

1. Combine flour, yeast, salt, and rosemary.

2. Add warm water and olive oil.

3. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

The dough will look sticky — that’s perfect.

---

Step 2: Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.
Let rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
The dough should double and look bubbly.

---

Step 3: Shape

Lightly flour your surface.
Gently turn dough out and shape into a round loaf without kneading.
Place on parchment paper and let rest 20–30 minutes.

---

Step 4: Bake

Dutch Oven Method (Best Crust):

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with Dutch oven inside for 20 minutes.

2. Transfer dough (with parchment) into hot pot.

3. Cover and bake 30 minutes.

4. Remove lid and bake 10–15 more minutes until deep golden.

Without Dutch Oven:
Bake on baking sheet at 450°F for 35–40 minutes.

Cool completely before slicing.

---

🌿 Mediterranean Nutrition Benefits

• Olive oil → heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

• Rosemary → natural antioxidants

• Slow fermentation → easier digestion for many people

• Simple ingredients → traditional Mediterranean baking style

---

🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Olive oil & balsamic vinegar

• Hummus

• Lentil soup

• Greek salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Grilled fish or chicken

It also makes amazing sandwiches.

---

🔥 Flavor Variations

• Add roasted garlic
• Mix in chopped olives
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top
• Turn into rosemary focaccia (flatten and dimple dough)

---

❓ Q & A

1️⃣ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes — substitute up to 50%. Add 1–2 tbsp extra water if needed.

2️⃣ Why is my bread dense?

Possibly not enough rising time, inactive yeast, or too much flour.

3️⃣ Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?

Absolutely. Cold fermentation (8–24 hours) enhances flavor.

4️⃣ How do I store it?

Keep at room temperature in a paper or cloth bag up to 2 days. Freeze slices for longer storage.

5️⃣ Can I make it gluten-free?

This method depends on gluten development. Use a specific gluten-free bread recipe instead.

6️⃣ Why no kneading?

Time replaces kneading — fermentation builds structure naturally.