noknead

Noknead refers to a bread-making approach characterized by minimal or no kneading, relying on long fermentation and hydration to develop gluten and flavor. The method often yields a moist, open crumb with a thick crust, achieved by shaping and baking the dough after a prolonged rest rather than through traditional kneading.

The term gained widespread attention after the 2006 New York Times article by Mark Bittman highlighting Jim Lahey’s No-Knead Bread recipe. Since then, noknead has become a generic label for doughs that are mixed and left to ferment for many hours, with some cooks using no kneading at all and others performing only light folds or stretches.

Core technique typically uses four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast or a preferment. The dough is usually highly hydrated, often around 70-80% hydration, and mixed until just combined. There is little to no kneading; instead, gluten develops during the long fermentation period, sometimes 12-18 hours at room temperature. After fermentation, the dough is gently turned out, shaped, and given a brief rise before baking in a preheated heavy vessel, such as a Dutch oven, to trap steam. The covered phase is followed by uncovering to brown the crust.

Variations include different flour types, such as bread flour, all-purpose, or a blend with whole wheat, as well as adaptations using sourdough starter. Times and temperatures vary with room conditions; some cooks employ cold fermentation or shorter rests. While no-knead methods reduce handling, they still require heat and moisture to produce a crusty loaf, and results can differ based on flour quality, oven, and proofing conditions.

Reception tends to emphasize accessibility and simplicity, appealing to home bakers seeking good bread with minimal technique. Some critics note that the method is not truly “no knead” in the sense of absolute absence of gluten development, and outcomes depend on fermentation and environment.