How to make the 1940s National Loaf. # #1940s #1940scooking #nationalloaf, by 1940s cooking and stories on YouTube. 2 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Stir the warm water, sugar and active dry yeast together in a jug. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes until the surface turns bubbly.
Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl. Add the flour gradually while mixing, then add the salt and keep mixing until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour only if it is very sticky.
Grease and flour a loaf tin, or line it with baking paper. Shape the dough into a log and place it in the tin.
Cover the tin with a clean tea towel and leave it in a warm, draught-free spot at about 35 to 40°C until the dough doubles, roughly 1 to 1½ hours.
Heat the oven to 210°C (190°C fan). Brush the top with milk if you like, then sprinkle with flour and oats.
Bake for about 35 minutes until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Put a small oven-safe dish of water in the oven if you want a softer crust.
Take the loaf out of the tin and cool it completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips and common mistakes
Use water that feels warm, not hot, or it can kill the yeast and stop the loaf rising.
Let the loaf cool fully before cutting, or the crumb will turn gummy.
Handle the dish of hot water carefully when you put it in and take it out of the oven.
If your kitchen is cold, prove the dough in an oven switched off but warmed briefly first.
Questions
Can I use white flour instead of wholemeal?
Yes, but the loaf will be lighter and less like the wartime original. Wholemeal flour gives the dense, grainy texture the National Loaf is known for.
How do I know the bread is fully baked?
Tap the base of the loaf. A hollow sound means it is done. If it sounds dull, return it to the oven for 5 more minutes.
Can I make this without a loaf tin?
You can shape it into a round and bake it on a lined tray. It will spread a little more and may need slightly less time.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
