Bread without an oven

Bread has been a staple food since ancient times, and baking it in an oven has been the traditional method. However, not everyone has access to an oven, or they may be looking for a quicker and simpler way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread. Also, the time may be coming when we don’t have the convenience of an oven to cook in. This article will explore some delicious bread recipes that can be made without an oven, using alternative cooking methods such as skillets and even boiling!

Skillet Breads

Skillet breads are a great way to enjoy freshly baked bread without an oven. The skillet provides even heat distribution, creating a crispy crust and soft interior. Here are a few skillet bread recipes to try:

Skillet Cornbread:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Carefully pour the batter into the preheated skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Serve warm with butter and honey.

No-Knead Skillet Bread:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
4. Preheat a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully place the dough in the skillet.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Let the bread cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Microwave Bread:

While microwaving bread may not yield the same texture as traditional oven-baked bread, and it may not be appropriate in a grid-down situation, it’s a quick and curious method for enjoying fresh bread. Here’s a recipe to try:

Microwave English Muffin Bread:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Add buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, or until the bread is cooked through.
4. Let the bread cool in the bowl for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Boiled Breads

Boiling bread may sound unusual, but it’s a traditional method for making soft, chewy breads like bagels and pretzels. Here’s a recipe to try:

Boiled Bagels:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball slightly and use your finger to poke a hole in the center.
7. Stretch the hole and shape the dough into a bagel.
8. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda.
9. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
10. Drop the bagels, one at a time, into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute on each side.
11. Remove the bagels from the water and place them on the preheated skillet.
12. Cook the bagels for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
13. Serve warm with cream cheese or your favorite toppings.

 

Baking bread without an oven is not only possible but can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you prefer skillet breads, microwave breads, or boiled breads, there are plenty of delicious recipes to explore. So why not give one of these no-bake breads a try and enjoy the satisfaction of creating fresh, homemade bread in your own kitchen or over a campfire?