Welcome to the world of wholesome and delicious homemade whole wheat bread! In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a hearty and nutritious loaf that’s not only good for you but also a delight for your taste buds. With the nutty richness of whole wheat flour and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, you’ll soon discover that making your own whole wheat bread is a rewarding and satisfying culinary adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time bread maker, this recipe promises to deliver a soft, tender crumb encased in a golden-brown crust, perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply enjoying with a slather of butter.
Whole wheat bread recipe
Whole wheat bread is a type of bread made primarily from whole wheat flour, which is milled from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. Unlike white bread, which is made from refined wheat flour that has had the bran and germ removed, whole wheat bread retains these nutritious components. As a result, whole wheat bread is denser, darker in color, and has a nuttier flavor compared to white bread. It's often considered a healthier choice because it contains more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to the presence of the whole grain. Whole wheat bread can be found in various forms, such as sliced loaves, rolls, and artisanal varieties, and it's a popular choice for sandwiches, toast, and as a side with meals.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour. Stir until the ingredients come together into a dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.Enjoy your homemade whole wheat bread!
Video
Notes
One important thing to note when making whole wheat bread is to pay attention to the dough's hydration level. Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour, so the exact amount of water needed may vary based on factors like humidity and the specific flour you're using. It's best to start with the recommended amount of water in the recipe and adjust as needed. The dough should be tacky but not overly sticky, and it should come together easily. Adding too much flour can result in a dry and dense loaf, so be conservative with extra flour during kneading. Achieving the right dough consistency is key to producing a soft and well-textured whole wheat bread.
Nutrition
Serving: 75g
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