Carrot And Zucchini Oat Bread Recipe

Carrot and Zucchini Oat Bread Recipe

Table of Contents

Grate the Vegetables: Start by grating 1 zucchini (200 g) and 2 carrots (200 g). Set them aside in a bowl. These vegetables add moisture and nutrients to the bread, making it both tender and flavorful.
Combine with Water and Garlic: In a large bowl, add 350 ml water, the grated zucchini, grated carrots, and 3-4 cloves minced garlic. The garlic adds a subtle aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread.

Blend the Mixture: Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture slightly. Aim to keep some texture from the vegetables for a rustic feel. This step ensures that the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Add Oats and Spices: Add 250 g oats to the vegetable mixture, along with salt to taste, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, and a pinch of curry powder (or your preferred spices). Mix well to combine. These spices give the bread a mild warmth and depth of flavor.
Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, add 1/2 cup water to adjust the consistency to your liking. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter.

Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 5 g dry yeast in a little warm water (not included in the above measurements). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, which helps the bread rise slightly and adds a lightness to the texture.

Combine Yeast with the Mixture: Pour the activated yeast into the vegetable and oat mixture. Stir well to incorporate the yeast evenly.
Toast the Seeds: In a dry frying pan, toast 20 g sunflower seeds and 20 g sesame seeds over medium heat for a few minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the seeds, adding a pleasant crunch to the bread.
Add Seeds and Oil: Add the toasted sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, 30 g flaxseeds, and 30 ml olive oil to the batter. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Stir in the remaining 100 g of oats until the mixture is well combined.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle a handful of flaxseeds on the bottom and sides. This prevents the bread from sticking and adds an attractive crust to the finished loaf.
Rest the Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with a cloth and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the oats to absorb moisture and the yeast to start its work, giving the bread a light lift.

Preheat the Oven: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A properly preheated oven is key to achieving a good rise and even baking.
Bake the Bread: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the bread is fully cooked inside.

Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps the bread firm up.
Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy. This Zucchini and Carrot Oat Bread pairs beautifully with your favorite spreads, as a side to soups and salads, or simply on its own as a nutritious snack.