Introduction
Making bread at home is one of the most satisfying experiences in the kitchen, but not everyone has an oven or wants to turn it on, especially on hot days. The good news is that you can make incredibly delicious bread without an oven! This recipe is ideal for those looking for a simple, quick method that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Once you’ve tried it, you may never want to buy packaged bread again!
Ingredients
500g flour (you can choose between 00 flour, wholemeal flour or a mix)
300ml warm water
7g dried yeast (or 15g fresh yeast)
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a softer dough)
Instructions
Prepare the yeast: In a bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Leave to stand for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and, if desired, the olive oil. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the bread: Divide the dough into portions of the desired shape (loaves, rolls or scones) and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Bake without an oven:
In a pan: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Cook each side of the bread for 5-7 minutes, covering with a lid to help it cook evenly.
In a pot: If you prefer, use a pot with a lid to simulate an oven effect. Heat the pot and cook the bread for 10-12 minutes per side.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve freshly made bread with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse salt, or use it as a base for sandwiches and bruschetta.
Store leftover bread in a cloth bag or airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 2 days.
To extend the shelf life, you can freeze it. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a pan.
Variations
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