Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the mouth-watering aroma and taste of freshly baked bread. But, what if you don’t have an oven or are short on space? Fear not, because you can still enjoy delicious homemade bread by baking it on the stovetop. This guide will walk you through this simple and easy process step by step.

Ingredients

– 3 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup warm water

– 1 tbsp sugar

– 1 tbsp active dry yeast

– 1 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1 tsp salt

Equipment

– Mixing bowl

– Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

– Skillet with lid (preferably large, heavy, and non-stick)

– Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In your mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar until fully dissolved.

2. Add the active dry yeast to the water-sugar mixture and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it starts to bubble or froth.

3. Gradually add flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture while gently stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula.

4.  Continue stirring until a soft dough forms.

5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Shape your dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl.

2. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare Your Stovetop Baking Setup

1. Place your skillet on medium-low heat and preheat it for a few minutes, allowing it to reach an even temperature.

2. If your skillet is not non-stick, lightly grease it with some vegetable oil or butter.

Step 4: Place Dough in Skillet and Bake

1. Gently punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf.

2. Carefully transfer the loaf to your preheated skillet.

3. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dough bake for about 20-30 minutes, ensuring that the stovetop remains at medium-low heat.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

1. After around 25 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check if the bread has a golden-brown crust and is firm to touch.

2. To ensure bread is cooked through, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean when done.

Step 6: Remove Bread from Skillet and Cool

1. When your bread is fully baked, gently remove it from the skillet using your wooden spoon or spatula.

2. Place it on a cooling rack or plate to cool for at least half an hour before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Baking bread on the stovetop is a convenient and effective method that yields delicious, soft homemade bread without the need for an oven. With practice, you’ll be able to enjoy delectable fresh bread anytime you wish using just your trusty skillet and stovetop. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and start making some comforting homemade stovetop bread today!