American Griddle Bread

Ingredients

• 400 gflour
• 200 mlwater
• 1 tbspoil
• 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 g of flour and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Gradually add 200 ml of water while stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 tbsp of oil and mix until the dough starts to come together.
2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pressing it with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and rotating it slightly. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when pressed lightly with a finger.
3. Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This can take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf by tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top.
5. Preheat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. You want the surface to be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates almost immediately.
6. Place the shaped dough onto the hot griddle. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking. The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Remove the bread from the griddle and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows the crumb to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
8. Serve the American Griddle Bread warm, slicing it at the table to share with your meal. Its soft interior and crisp crust make it a perfect accompaniment to any dish.