Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240-260g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (60-65g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240mL) milk, heated (120-130°F for instant yeast, 110-120°F for active dry yeast)
- 2 tablespoons (30mL) olive oil
- 1 egg
- About 1/4 cup additional bread flour (for kneading)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Heat the milk: Warm the milk to the appropriate temperature based on your yeast.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the warmed milk, olive oil, and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Form the Dough
- Stir and knead: Add more bread flour (about 1/4 cup) if necessary, and knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf by rolling it into a log.
- Second rise: Place the dough into a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, until it rises just above the top of the pan.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toast slices and serve with butter, jam, or honey.
- Make sandwiches with fresh vegetables, meats, or cheese.
- Serve with soups or stews for a hearty meal.
- Use as a base for French toast or bread pudding.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the milk is the correct temperature for the yeast to activate properly.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a smooth, elastic texture.
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing to avoid squishing the loaf.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in fiber from whole wheat flour.
- Provides energy through complex carbohydrates.
- Olive oil adds healthy fats.
- Egg contributes to protein and essential vitamins.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians as no meat products are used.
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with plant-based milk and use egg substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g