Bread Without an Oven

Are you ready to try a new way of making bread that doesn’t require an oven? This simple, easy recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful bread that can be cooked right on your stovetop! Perfect for those days when you don’t want to heat up the house or don’t have an oven available. This bread is not only delicious but also versatile, and it can be paired with various dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 250 ml warm water: The warmth helps to activate the yeast, making the dough rise.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: Acts as food for the yeast, allowing it to bloom.
  • 7 grams dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons): Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
  • 450 grams flour (about 3 ½ cups): Provides the structure for the dough.
  • 30 ml vegetable oil (about 2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and richness to the bread dough.
  • 2-3 cloves garlic: For the garlic sauce.
  • 60 grams butter (about 4 tablespoons): For the garlic butter sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Mixed with butter for brushing the bread.
  • A handful of chopped dill (optional): For added flavor in the garlic sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

  1. Warm Water & Sugar:
    • In a large mixing bowl, add 250 ml of warm water. The water should be warm, not hot, as this helps the yeast to activate.
    • Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar. The sugar feeds the yeast, allowing it to activate and help the dough rise.
  2. Add Yeast:
    • Sprinkle 7 grams of dry yeast over the water and sugar mixture. Stir well to dissolve the yeast.
    • Cover the bowl with a towel and let the yeast dissolve and foam up for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it shows that the yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Form the Dough

  1. Add Salt and Flour:
    • Once the yeast has activated, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 450 grams of flour to the yeast mixture.
    • Stir the ingredients together until a rough dough forms.
  2. Add Oil and Knead:
    • Pour in 30 ml of vegetable oil and begin kneading the dough. You can knead it by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Let the Dough Rise:
    • Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place for 40 minutes to rise. The dough should double in size.

Step 3: Shape and Rest the Dough

  1. Punch Down the Dough:
    • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Knead it lightly again for a minute.
  2. Divide and Shape:
    • Divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a plate or tray.
  3. Rest the Dough:
    • Allow the dough balls to rest for another 20 minutes. This second rise helps the bread to be even softer and fluffier.

Step 4: Cook the Bread on the Stovetop

  1. Preheat a Pan:
    • Heat a dry frying pan over low heat. You don’t need any oil in the pan as the dough will cook without it.
  2. Cook the Bread:
    • Place the dough balls in the pan and cover them with a lid. Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes on the first side. You’ll notice the bread rising and becoming fluffy.
  3. Flip and Cook:
    • Once the first side is golden, cover the pan with a piece of parchment paper and carefully flip the bread using a suitable plate. Continue cooking the other side for another 8-10 minutes under low heat until both sides are golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Make the Sauce:
    • While the bread is cooking, melt 60 grams of butter in a small saucepan.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for a smoother sauce.
    • Grate 2-3 garlic cloves into the butter mixture and stir. For extra flavor, you can also add some chopped dill.

Step 6: Brush the Bread with Garlic Sauce

  1. Coat the Bread:
    • Once the bread is cooked, allow it to cool slightly. Then, generously brush the tops with the garlic butter sauce. This not only adds a delicious flavor but also keeps the bread moist and soft.

Enjoy Your Homemade Stovetop Bread!

Congratulations! You’ve just made delicious, fluffy bread without an oven. The combination of the soft, warm bread and the savory garlic butter sauce is irresistible. Serve this bread with soups, stews, or simply enjoy it on its own. It’s also perfect for sandwiches or to accompany any meal.

 

Tips and Variations:

  • Add Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Whole Wheat Option: You can substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
  • Cheese Bread: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the dough before flipping it for a cheesy variation.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika to the garlic butter sauce for a little kick.

Conclusion

This stovetop bread recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional oven-baked bread, especially when you’re short on time or don’t want to use the oven. The result is a soft, fluffy bread that’s full of flavor, thanks to the garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re serving it alongside a meal or enjoying it as a snack, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and see how easy and rewarding homemade bread can be!

Bon Appétit! 😋