Discover the ease and joy of making your own rustic bread right on your stovetop. This recipe is perfect for those who want fresh, homemade bread without the need for an oven. Whether you’re in a small kitchen, camping, or just looking for a fun new way to bake, this stovetop bread is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 400 grams wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 210 ml warm water
- 7 grams dry yeast
- Sunflower oil
Directions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Warm Water:
- Add the warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Add Yeast and Knead:
- Sprinkle the dry yeast over the dough and knead it until the yeast is well incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Rest the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the yeast to activate and the dough to rise slightly.
- Prepare the Skillet:
- Heat a skillet or pan over low heat and add a drizzle of sunflower oil to coat the bottom.
- Shape the Dough:
- Gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Be careful not to handle it too much to preserve the air bubbles that have formed.
- Cook the Bread:
- Place the shaped dough into the preheated skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to create a steaming environment and cook the bread for 10-15 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking:
- After the first side has cooked, carefully remove the lid, flip the bread over, cover again, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once the bread is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice the bread while it’s still warm and enjoy the rustic, homemade flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- This bread is perfect for serving with butter, jam, or as a side to soups and stews. It also makes a great base for sandwiches or toast.
Health Benefits
This stovetop bread recipe is not only easy and delicious but also offers several health benefits:
- Wheat Flour: Rich in fiber and essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron, wheat flour provides a hearty base for the bread.
- Minimal Sugar and Oil: With just a tablespoon of sugar and a drizzle of sunflower oil, this bread is a healthier option compared to many store-bought varieties.
- No Preservatives: Homemade bread means no artificial preservatives, additives, or unnecessary chemicals.
Cooking Tips
- Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a little more warm water; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
- Even Cooking: Cook the bread on low heat to ensure it cooks through evenly without burning the outside. A heavy-bottomed skillet or pan works best.
- Flipping the Bread: Use a wide spatula to carefully flip the bread halfway through cooking to achieve a uniform golden brown crust on both sides.
Variations
- Herbed Bread: Add a tablespoon of mixed dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the flour mixture for a fragrant and flavorful loaf.
- Cheese and Garlic: Mix in 50 grams of grated cheese and a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.
- Whole Grain: Substitute half of the wheat flour with whole wheat or other whole grain flours for added fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Rustic stovetop bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Warm with Butter: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or your favorite spread for a comforting snack.
- Accompaniment: Pair with soups, stews, or salads to complement your meal.
- Sandwiches: Use the bread to make hearty sandwiches or toast it for a crunchy base.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat to regain their freshness and warmth.
Final Thoughts
Making rustic stovetop bread is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The process is simple, the ingredients are basic, and the result is a delicious loaf with a wonderful texture and flavor. This bread is perfect for any meal and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.