Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, a true sensory delight. But what if we told you that you could achieve this without even turning on your oven? Yes, you read that right! This simple recipe allows you to bake delicious, homemade bread in your trusty slow cooker, making it ideal for beginners and anyone seeking a hassle-free baking experience.
This method requires minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients, ensuring that fresh, homemade bread is always within your reach. Whether you crave the nutty flavor of wholemeal bread or the classic taste of white bread, this versatile recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* 500g strong wholemeal flour or strong white flour (or a mix of flours, see tip), plus extra for dusting
* Seven grams sachet fast-action dried yeast
* One tsp fine sea salt
Let’s get baking:
1.
Combine the dry ingredients:
Start by combining the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.2.
Add the water:
Measure out 350ml of warm water. Pour most of the water into the well you created in the flour mixture.3.
Mix the dough:
Use your fingers or a wooden spoon to gently mix the flour and water, gradually incorporating the flour until you achieve a slightly damp, pillowy dough. If needed, add a bit more water to help bring the dough together.4.
Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for at least 10 minutes. You’ll know you’ve kneaded it enough when it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.5.
Rise in the slow cooker:
Shape the dough into a tight, large ball and place it on a piece of baking parchment. Gently lift the dough using the parchment and place it into your slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Allow the dough to rise for two hours.6.
Check for doneness:
Carefully remove the bread using the parchment. The base should be crusty, and the top should have a slight spring when pressed, not feeling soft. If you have a digital cooking thermometer, the center should read 90°C (194°F). If the bread isn’t quite cooked, return it to the slow cooker for an additional 15 minutes and check again. It may take up to two hours and 30 minutes in total. Keep in mind that the bread won’t develop a thick crust or a golden color in the slow cooker.7.
Optional browning:
Once the bread is cooked, you can either let it cool or place it in an oven preheated to 240°C (220°C fan/gas mark 9) for 5-10 minutes to achieve a lovely, golden brown color.Now that you’ve mastered this simple recipe, experiment with different flour combinations to create your own unique bread creations. Enjoy the delicious aroma and fresh taste of homemade bread baked to perfection in your slow cooker!
