The Perfect Cottage Loaf Recipe By Paul Hollywood

by amber5692 May 13, 2023 Post a Comment

Paul Hollywood’s Classic Cottage Loaf The Great British Bake Off from thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk

Introduction

Are you looking for a classic and delicious bread recipe for your next family gathering or dinner party? Look no further than this traditional Cottage Loaf recipe by the renowned British baker, Paul Hollywood. With a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior, this loaf is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Ingredients

To make this Cottage Loaf, you will need the following ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour
10g salt
10g instant yeast
320ml warm water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center and add the yeast. 2. Pour the water into the well and mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. 4. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and leave to rise in a warm place for one hour, or until it has doubled in size. 5. Once the dough has risen, knock it back and knead it again for a few minutes. 6. Divide the dough into two equal portions, one slightly larger than the other. 7. Roll the larger portion into a ball and place it on a greased baking sheet. 8. Take the smaller portion and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long sausage shape. 9. Place the three sausages side-by-side and plait them together to form a braided shape. 10. Place the braided shape on top of the larger ball of dough, pressing down lightly to ensure they stick together. 11. Cover the loaf with a damp tea towel and leave to rise for a further 30 minutes. 12. Preheat your oven to 220°C/gas mark 7. 13. Once the loaf has risen, use a sharp knife to make a deep cross in the top of the loaf. 14. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base. 15. Leave to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks

- For an extra crispy crust, place a small dish of water in the bottom of your oven while the loaf is baking. - You can add a variety of herbs and spices to the dough to give your Cottage Loaf a unique flavor. Try adding rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of cumin. - If you don't have a baking sheet, you can use a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven instead.

Conclusion

There you have it - a delicious and easy-to-follow Cottage Loaf recipe by Paul Hollywood. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself? Your family and friends will thank you for it!