Soldiers’ Bread
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own bread, especially when it requires just a few simple ingredients and no fancy tools. Soldiers’ bread is a rustic, hearty variety that’s cooked on a stovetop rather than in an oven. The result is soft, warm rounds with a nice golden crust—perfect for enjoying alongside soups, stews, or just slathered with butter or jam.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Estimated calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 150 ml hot water
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for making dough
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 150 ml of hot water with 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. Mix until the yeast is dissolved.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
- Gradually add in 3 cups of flour, stirring continuously to form a dough.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about an hour.
- After resting, shape the dough into rounds and flatten them slightly.
- Heat a pan with a little vegetable oil over low heat.
- Place the dough rounds in the pan and cover it with a lid.
- Cook the bread on low heat until both sides are golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool slightly before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This Soldiers’ Bread recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require special equipment. The use of dry yeast means no waiting for fresh yeast to activate, making the process streamlined. Plus, cooking on the stove instead of in the oven means it’s accessible, especially if you’re short on space or equipment.
Serving Ideas
Serve Soldiers’ Bread warm with a side of your favorite dip or spread. It pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, salads, or as a simple snack with butter. This bread is also fantastic for making sandwiches or enjoying at outdoor gatherings.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure your water isn’t too hot; it should be warm to the touch to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can flatten the dough with your hands.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, or you can freeze it for longer storage—just toast it before serving for a fresh taste.
- Experiment with adding herbs or spices into the dough for a flavor twist.
FAQ
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used; just be aware that it may change the texture a bit.
2. What can I do if the dough isn’t rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water was the right temperature. If it’s too cool, the yeast will take longer to activate.
3. How can I tell when the bread is cooked?
The bread should be golden brown on both sides. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow.
4. Is it necessary to knead the dough?
Yes, kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread structure and a pleasing texture.
With this easy Soldiers’ Bread recipe, you’ll have delicious homemade bread ready to enjoy in no time. I encourage you to give it a try—there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly made bread filling your kitchen!
Soldiers’ Bread
A rustic and hearty bread cooked on the stovetop, perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or enjoying with butter or jam.
For the dough
- 150 ml hot water (Ensure water is warm to the touch)
- 3 cups flour (All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour can be used)
- 1 tbsp dry yeast (No need to activate fresh yeast)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil (For cooking the dough rounds)
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine 150 ml of hot water with 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. Mix until the yeast is dissolved.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
- Gradually add in 3 cups of flour, stirring continuously to form a dough.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about an hour.
- After resting, shape the dough into rounds and flatten them slightly.
- Heat a pan with a little vegetable oil over low heat.
- Place the dough rounds in the pan and cover it with a lid.
- Cook the bread on low heat until both sides are golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool slightly before serving.
Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, or you can freeze it for longer storage—just toast it before serving for a fresh taste. Experiment with adding herbs or spices into the dough for a flavor twist.
