Crossword Genius

Reportedly worked flour into dough, as required (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needed

'required' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'reportedly worked flour into dough' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'worked flour into dough' becomes 'kneaded'.
'kneaded' sounds like 'NEEDED'.

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for needed that I've seen before include "'Lacked, required (6)'" , "Obligatory" , "Required, necessary" , "Required something essential" , "Lacked something essential" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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