Stottie bread, a traditional delicacy hailing from the Northeast of England, particularly around Newcastle, has captivated the hearts—and appetites—of many with its distinct texture and flavor. This round, flat loaf is renowned not just for its rustic appearance but also for its capability to hold generous fillings of hearty meats, cheeses, and vegetables. If you’re eager to dive into the world of bread-making and savor the authentic taste of Stottie bread, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating this delightful bread from scratch.
The Origin of Stottie Bread
Stottie bread is much more than just a culinary treat; it is a piece of cultural heritage. The word “stottie” comes from the Geordie dialect, meaning “to stot” or “to bounce.” This name reflects how the dough bounces back when it is shaped. Originally, this bread was created as a way to utilize leftover flour and was often baked in the hot ash of a coal fire. Today, it remains a beloved staple, particularly when filled with local delicacies such as pease pudding or bacon.
Essential Ingredients for Stottie Bread
Creating the perfect Stottie bread involves just a handful of simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strong white bread flour | 500 grams |
| Water | 300 ml, lukewarm |
| Yeast | 7 grams (instant or dried) |
| Salt | 10 grams |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Each ingredient plays a critical role in the texture and flavor of the bread. The strong white bread flour provides structure, while the yeast helps it rise. Salt enhances the flavor, and the sugar acts as food for the yeast, promoting a good rise.
Preparation: The Key Steps to Make Stottie Bread
Creating Stottie bread is a straightforward process that involves mixing, kneading, proving, and baking. Let’s look closer at each step.
Mixing the Ingredients
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Begin by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the strong white bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Ensure the salt and sugar are placed on opposite sides of the bowl, as direct contact with salt can inhibit yeast activation.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix all the components using a wooden spoon until they form a shaggy dough.
Kneading the Dough
Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives Stottie bread its characteristic texture.
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Knead by Hand: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Start kneading by pushing the dough away from you using the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Aim to knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Check Gluten Development: A good way to check if the dough is sufficiently kneaded is to perform the “windowpane test.” Take a small piece of dough and stretch it gently. If it stretches thin enough to become translucent without tearing, you’re ready for the next step.
Proofing the Dough
Proofing allows the dough to rise and develop flavor.
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First Proving: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shaping the Stottie Bread: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the gases. Shape the dough into a round ball and flatten it to about 2.5 cm thickness. Use your hands to create a well-defined shape without losing too much air from the dough.
Second Proving
After shaping, it’s time to give the dough another chance to prove.
- Let It Rest: Place the shaped dough on a floured baking tray. Cover it loosely with a tea towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes. This will help achieve that delightful fluffy texture inside the bread.
Baking the Stottie Bread
While your dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
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Baking: Once the dough has risen again, place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cooling: Remove the Stottie bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. This step is crucial, as it allows the steam to escape, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Stottie Bread
Stottie bread is incredibly versatile, serving as both a side dish and a main course. Here are a couple of classic serving suggestions:
Traditional Fillings
Stotties can be filled with a wealth of delicious ingredients. For a true regional experience, consider the following:
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Pease Pudding and Bacon: This hearty combination includes a slather of pease pudding (made from split peas) layered with crispy bacon. It’s a match made in heaven!
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Pork Sandwich: Fill your Stottie with shredded pork, apple sauce, and a sprinkle of sage for a succulent and flavorsome bite.
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Cheese and Pickle: A generous helping of strong cheddar cheese with a tangy pickle makes for an indulgent vegetarian option.
Enjoy as a Side Dish
Serve slices of Stottie bread alongside your favorite soups or stews. The dense texture holds up well to robust dishes, soaking up flavors beautifully.
Storing and Freezing Stottie Bread
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing and freezing can keep your Stottie fresh for a longer time.
Storing
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Room Temperature: Store your Stottie bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean, dry cloth at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the bread. Instead, if necessary, slice the bread and place it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing
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Wrap the Bread: Ensure your Stottie is completely cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Freeze: Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When needed, thaw at room temperature before slicing and enjoying.
Conclusion
Making Stottie bread is a rewarding process that brings a slice of Northern England’s culinary history into your kitchen. Its unique texture and delightful flavor profile make it an excellent choice for any meal, be it a hearty sandwich or a comforting side dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can craft an authentic loaf that will impress family and friends alike.
So why not roll up your sleeves and embark on this delightful baking journey? Once you master Stottie bread, you’ll see why it holds a beloved place in the hearts—and stomachs—of many! Happy baking!
What is stottie bread?
Stottie bread is a traditional unleavened round loaf that originates from the northeast of England, primarily Newcastle upon Tyne. Characterized by its thick, crusty exterior and soft, doughy interior, stottie bread is often used to hold fillings like meats and vegetables, making it a popular choice for sandwiches. The name “stottie” comes from the local dialect word “stot,” which means to bounce—referring to the way the bread is traditionally shaped and baked.
The dough for stottie bread is typically made from simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. Unlike some other bread types that require a long fermentation process, stottie bread can be made relatively quickly, although allowing it to rise properly enhances its texture and flavor. Its unique preparation and baking method make stottie bread a beloved staple in many local households.
How do I make stottie bread at home?
Making stottie bread at home involves a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients. Begin by mixing together strong white flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Gradually add water until you achieve a soft, pliable dough. Knead the dough for about ten minutes until it’s smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which typically takes about an hour.
Once the dough has risen, shape it into a round loaf and place it onto a baking tray. Flatten the loaf slightly, and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes before baking. Bake the stottie bread in a preheated oven until golden brown, then allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your homemade stottie bread with various fillings!
What are the best fillings for stottie bread?
Stottie bread’s thick and hearty texture makes it incredibly versatile when it comes to fillings. Traditional choices include meats such as bacon, sausage, or black pudding, which add a savory flavor that complements the bread’s soft interior. Additionally, roasted vegetables and cheese can be used for a vegetarian option that still feels satisfying.
For a touch of modern flair, consider using a variety of spreads like hummus or pesto, paired with fresh greens or grilled chicken. The beauty of stottie bread lies in its ability to hold different flavors and fillings while maintaining its shape, making it an ideal choice for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Can stottie bread be frozen?
Absolutely! Stottie bread can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient option to prepare in bulk. To freeze your stottie bread, first allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and place it in an airtight freezer bag. Properly stored, it can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stottie bread, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature. If you prefer, you can warm it in the oven for a few minutes to revive its crusty exterior. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked stottie bread even after it has been frozen.
How can I ensure my stottie bread rises properly?
To maximize the rising of your stottie bread, it is crucial to use the right amount of yeast and ensure that your ingredients are fresh. Yeast works best in warm environments, so using slightly warm water when mixing your dough can help activate the yeast more effectively. However, be cautious not to make the water too hot, as that could kill the yeast and hinder the rise.
Another important factor is the kneading process. Kneading helps develop the gluten structure in the dough, providing it with the strength needed to rise properly. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, and allow it enough time to rise in a draft-free area. Patience and attention to these details will yield a beautifully risen loaf of stottie bread.
What if my stottie bread turns out too dense?
If your stottie bread turns out too dense, it may be due to a few factors such as not enough kneading, insufficient rising time, or the temperature of your ingredients being off. Dense bread can occur if the dough was not mixed properly or if the gluten structure wasn’t developed through adequate kneading. Make sure to knead the dough until it is elastic; this usually takes about 10 minutes.
Another reason for density could be that the dough didn’t have enough time to rise, so ensure you allow it to proof until it has doubled in size. If you find your bread is still dense, consider adjusting your technique for the next baking attempt. Following the steps more closely, especially around kneading and rising, can lead to a lighter result.
Are there any tips for storing stottie bread?
To store stottie bread effectively and maintain its freshness, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, as this will prevent it from drying out. If stored at room temperature, it should remain soft for about two to three days. However, keeping it in the fridge can lead to a quicker staleness, so it’s advisable to avoid refrigeration unless necessary.
For longer storage, freezing is the ideal option. Slice the bread before freezing, which makes it easier to grab individual pieces as needed. Just remember to wrap each slice in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, you can toast the slices directly from the freezer for a quick and delicious meal.