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Simple Homemade Cob Loaf for Beginners

  • Author: Clare
  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Embark on your bread-making journey with this Simple Homemade Cob Loaf for Beginners. Crafted with minimal ingredients and requiring no special tin, this recipe is perfect for those taking their first steps into the world of baking. The process is straightforward, making it an unintimidating venture for novices. The result is a beautiful, round loaf that boasts a crunchy crust and a soft, light interior, ideal for sandwiches or as a companion to soups and casseroles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 480g strong white flour
  • 7g instant dry yeast
  • 9g salt
  • 290ml tepid/lukewarm water
  • 20g butter, softened

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour with butter, yeast, and salt on opposite sides to avoid direct contact between salt and yeast.
  2. Gradually add water and mix until a smooth, not soggy, dough forms. Adjust with more flour or water as needed.
  3. Knead the dough on an oiled surface for about 10-12 minutes until it develops a smooth ‘skin’.
  4. Let the dough prove in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. After the first prove, punch down the dough, shape it into a tight ball to create tension for a round shape, and let it rise on a baking tray for about 1 hour.
  6. Preheat the oven to 230°C/210°C fan. Place a roasting tray at the bottom of the oven to preheat.
  7. Dust the loaf with flour, make incisions on top, and add boiled water to the roasting tray for steam.
  8. Bake for about 30 minutes until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack.

Notes

  • Keep salt and yeast separate when adding to flour to ensure yeast activation.
  • The dough should be smooth and not too wet; adjust with flour or water as needed.
  • Proper shaping after the first prove is crucial for the classic cob shape.
  • Steam in the oven helps achieve a crunchy crust.
  • Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

Keywords: Homemade Bread, Cob Loaf, Beginner Baking, Artisan Bread

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Find it online: https://yummyrecipes.woochiens.com/2024/03/21/simple-homemade-cob-loaf-for-beginners/