Yes, you can make bread and other baked goods using just salt, flour, and water in a pressure cooker. This method is known as "pressure cooker baking" or "pressure cooker bread." It's a handy technique for baking when you don't have access to a traditional oven or want to conserve energy.
Here's a basic recipe for making bread in a pressure cooker:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the lukewarm water while mixing with a spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a round or oval shape, and lightly score the top with a sharp knife or make a few shallow cuts. This helps the bread expand during baking.
Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Remove the pressure cooker's gasket (the rubber seal) and weight (if applicable) from the lid. Place a metal stand or a heatproof trivet at the bottom of the pressure cooker. This will elevate the bread above direct contact with the base.
Preheat the Pressure Cooker: Close the pressure cooker without the gasket and weight, and preheat it on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Bake the Bread: Once the pressure cooker is preheated, carefully place the shaped bread dough on the trivet or stand inside the cooker. Cover the pressure cooker with its lid without the gasket and weight.
Control the Heat: Reduce the heat to low to ensure even baking without burning the bread. Allow the bread to bake for about 40-50 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the bread and the pressure cooker used. You can check the doneness by tapping the bread's bottom – it should sound hollow when fully cooked.
Cool the Bread: Once the bread is done, carefully remove it from the pressure cooker using oven mitts or tongs. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
While pressure cooker baking can yield satisfactory results, keep in mind that it might not replicate the exact texture and crust you get from a traditional oven. Experimenting with the baking time and temperature can help you achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, you can add other ingredients like yeast or baking powder for different types of bread and variations.