Loaves in the air

In so many ways, bread has become a staple in our lives. Whether its toast and eggs for breakfast, sandwiches as tea-time snacks, pizza for a quick weeknight dinner or bread and chicken curry as a lazy Sunday lunch, the humble loaf makes an appearance in some way or the other. However, during the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic the supply of bread has been affected in many areas. But for true bread lovers, this is merely a speed breaker. Here are some innovative ways in which people have been experimenting in their kitchens.

Sourdough

Several foodies and home bakers have been finding the slow art of baking sourdough both therapeutic and a lesson in patience. Its also considered a relatively healthier bread. According to Goa-based home baker Sujit Sumitran, sourdough has a low glycemic index and high digestibility due to its slow fermentation process.

Check out Sujit’s Instagram post on his flavoured sourdough breads:  https://www.instagram.com/p/B_KeHHxJGZ1/?igshid=1agx5ea3s3p4p

Bread baked in a pressure cooker

Not everyone has an oven or microwave at home, but that isnt stopping enthusiastic cooks from trying their hand at baking bread. Thats where the humble pressure cooker comes to the rescue! A layer of salt that coats the base of the cooker and a low gas flame is all you need to transform batter into bread!

Here’s one Instagram post detailing how you can bake bread in the cooker: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ4LxWDg9v/?igshid=om9vqituz5xp

Irish soda bread

If you have run out of yeast or want to avoid using it, then Irish soda bread is a recipe you should look up. It can be made with a few commonly available ingredients and is a relatively quick bread to make, which is why it is quite popular with beginners.

Check out Pooja’s Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Ka8XnpnKE/?igshid=m2af3z7n8vtg

Dosa batter bread

Another commercial yeast-free option is a bread that uses dosa batter! Pastry chef Smriti Iyer who has been experimenting with this recipe, says the bread requires only seven ingredients and is healthy and delicious.

Check out her Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_KI-rPjKlI/?igshid=gu40bnwzps47

Burger buns

When there’s talk of bread, can burgers be left far behind? Enthusiastic home cooks have been trying their hand at baking burger buns from scratch. Here's Vinesh's recipe on Instagram that several baking enthusiasts have been following: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-wpLSyFJ9R/?igshid=1u4aeeanx3rrz

Pizza on a pan

Craving pizza and not sure how to bake it without an oven? People have been rediscovering the joys of making a pizza base from scratch and then using their ever trustworthy tawas to cook it. It’s also a fun activity to keep your kids busy -- just get them to help you knead the dough for the base and assemble the pizza!

Check out this Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-9gqf3l1MV/?igshid=11368s1uzepdq

Have you tried baking bread at home? Share the details with us in the comments section below.