Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

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.
See also  Lemon Biscuit Balls Recipe

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