Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt, sugar and yeast

Step 2

Add the oil and water, and bring together into a sticky dough with a wooden spoon.

Step 3

Using your hands, continue mixing/kneading in the bowl until the bowl looks quite clean and all the flour has been incorporated into the dough.

Step 4

Clean the work surface you wish to knead on and either sprinkle with a little more flour, or wipe with a little more oil. The latter will make for a much easier clean up of both the kitchen, and your hands!

Step 5

Place the dough onto the surface and knead for 7-10 minutes, or until you see a change in the dough. It will become stretchy, smooth and shinier looking.

Step 6

Line your slow cooker with baking paper, and place the ball of dough into it.

Step 7

Switch the slow cooker on to high, and set the timer for 2.5 hours. Do not lift the lid during that time as you will release the build up of heat and the bread will take longer to cook.

Step 8

Switch off the machine, carefully lift out the bread by the edges of the baking paper, and set the loaf on to a cooling rack to cool.

Step 9

The top of the loaf will look pretty weird, almost like uncooked dough. Don't panic! It is just where the steam has collected under the lid of the slow cooked and dripped onto the bread leaving it looking a bit soggy.If it is cooked, the base should be golden brown and sound hollow if you tap it. The base will harden into the most delicious crunchy crust as it cools.