Caramelised Onion, Pear & Walnut Lockdown Loaf
Lockdown, we meet again.
Whilst it can be frustrating being confined to our homes, it's a great idea to find ways to carve out moments of peace and calm throughout the day. Nothing beats a warm loaf of bread from the oven, especially when it is fool-proof, fast and delicious. Taking care of yourself and others through-out these times is paramount, so crank up the oven, crack open a beer (you'll soon see why) and get baking!
This loaf is made with only a few simple ingredients - flour, beer (yes - beer!), raising agents, salt, sugar and laced with sweet pears, caramelised onions and crunchy walnuts. We suggest serving warm with a little butter or whipped ricotta! Inspired and adapted by the wonderful Chelsea Winter, we are loving our take on the infamous Lockdown Loaf.
There are so may exciting toppings you could use, and it is easily adaptable to become sweet or savoury. For a sweeter version, omit the beer and replace with lemonade or a fruity kombucha.
Caramelised Onion, Pear & Walnut Loaf
Makes 1 loaf
Prep time: 5 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sugar (omit if using lemonade)
- 1 tsp salt
- 375ml beer (or kombucha, lemonade or other carbonated beverage)
- 1 pear, thinly sliced into small pieces
- 1/2 cup walnuts, crushed
- olive oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced & caramelised
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180c.
- Prepare the caramelised onion first by sautéing onion in butter in a small frying pan until golden, add the sugar and continue to cook over a medium-low heat until caramelised, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, & sugar,
- Add the beer, stirring until it binds into a sticky dough. Use your hands if you need to, but be sure to not over mix.
- Press the dough into a non-stick loaf pan, top with the caramelised onion, pear slices, walnut and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake for 40 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool slightly and enjoy with some butter or whipped ricotta.
We hope you enjoy this super delicious loaf. It's so easy to make, and a great side to a hearty soup or stew or as a meal alone (Nobody is judging you!!)
Stay home and stay safe, and do let us know if you what you think in the comments below.
