Description
Wholesome whole wheat bread brings rustic charm to kitchen tables, offering a nutritious slice of homemade goodness. Hearty grains and simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Leavening and Sweetening Ingredients:
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional, for softer texture)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast mixture by whisking warm water, sweetener, and yeast together, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for about 5-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, creating a soft, uniform dry ingredient base.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast liquid, olive oil, and salt.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or clean hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and transfer to a greased bread pan.
- Allow the shaped loaf to undergo a second rise for 30-45 minutes, covering it with a clean kitchen towel.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and gently score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create a decorative pattern.
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Choose room-temperature ingredients to help yeast activate more effectively and create a consistent bread texture.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on desired sweetness level, as whole wheat flour tends to have a naturally robust flavor compared to white flour.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for alternative natural sweeteners that complement whole wheat’s nutty profile.
- Ensure water temperature stays between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for precision.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg