Step 1

Place the water and dry active yeast in the mixing bowl. Warm 2 min / 37°C / Speed 2.5.

Step 2

If you don't have a Thermomix, place the water and dry active yeast in a saucepan and warm gently until as warm as your hand. Tip into a large bowl.

Step 3

Add the rye flour, strong white bread flour, salt, black treacle and pale ale and knead 2 Min. / Kneading function. While it is kneading, keep a close eye on it. If it looks very dry, add a bit more water. You can help by using your Thermomix spatula and inserting it through the lid. The dough should be slightly sticky but dense.

Step 4

If you don't have a Thermomix, place the rye flour, strong white bread flour, salt, black treacle and pale ale in the bowl with the yeast mixture and knead until you have a sticky but dense dough.

Step 5

Tip the dough onto an oiled surface using the olive oil and form into a ball. Place in a bowl and wrap tightly in clingfilm. Cover with a tea towel and leave to rise for at least 2-3 hours until doubled in size. It may take slightly longer, depending on the temperature your kitchen has. It could take as long as 5 hours. You may wish to put the dough in the fridge overnight instead.

Step 6

Meanwhile, to make the paste, place the pale ale, rye flour and caster sugar in the mixing bowl. Combine 20 Sec. / Speed 2.until you have a thick paste.

Step 7

If you don't have a Thermomix, place the pale ale, rye flour and caster sugar in a small bowl and stir until combined, using a fork.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Tip the dough onto a slightly floured surface. Flatten it with the back of your hands slightly, then fold over the edges like a letter towards the centre. Tip the dough upside down and form into a ball. Place on a piece of greaseproof paper and put the paste on top using your fingers. Sprinkle over the oats and slightly press down. Leave to rise covered with a tea towel for another hour.

Step 9

Bake the bread in the middle of the oven for 25 minutes. Then turn it down to 200°C and bake again for another 10 minutes until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Leave to cool on a wire cooling rack. Enjoy!