This recipe yields a soft and flavorful flaxseed bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. The addition of flax seeds adds a nutty flavor and nutritional boost, while the soft butter crust enhances its richness. The rising times ensure a light and airy texture.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• • This includes preparing the yeast mixture, mixing dry and wet ingredients, and kneading the dough.

Cook Time: 30 minutes

• This includes the second rise and baking time.

Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

• This includes all preparation, rising, and cooking time.

Ingredients:

• • 500 grams sifted all-purpose flour

• • 2 tablespoons flax seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 grams dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)

• • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
  • 350 ml warm milk (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

• • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 large egg
  • 25 ml sunflower oil (about 2 tablespoons)

• 50 grams softened butter (for brushing)

Directions:

1. 1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

      • In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar and half of the warm milk (about 175 ml).
      • Gently stir the mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

1. 1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

      • • In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour to ensure a light and airy texture.
        • Add the flax seeds, salt, and baking powder to the sifted flour.
      • Whisk the dry ingredients together to combine them evenly.

   2. Combine Wet Ingredients:

      • In another bowl, whisk together the remaining warm milk (about 175 ml), apple cider vinegar, egg, sunflower oil, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
      • Whisk until all the wet ingredients are well combined

1. 1. Form the Dough:

      • • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
        • Mix with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are mostly combined.
      • Add the frothy yeast mixture to the dough.
      • Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

1. 1. Knead the Dough:

      • • Lightly flour a clean surface.
        • Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.
      • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
      • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.   

1. 1. First Rise:

      • • Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter.
        • Place the kneaded dough in the greased bowl.
      • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
      • Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free place and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

1. 1. Shape the Dough:

      • • Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air.
        • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
      • • Knead it briefly to redistribute the air.
        • Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions to make individual rolls.
        • For a loaf, shape the dough into a rectangle and roll it up tightly.
      • Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   2. Second Rise:

      • Cover the shaped dough again with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
      • Let it rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place

2. 1. Preheat the Oven:

      • Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

3. Bake the Bread:

   • • Before placing the bread in the oven, brush the top of the dough with the softened butter. This will create a soft, buttery crust.
     • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

4. Cool the Bread:

   • • Remove the bread from the oven and carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 12 servings):

• • Calories: 200-250
  • Protein: 7-9g
  • Fat: 6-8g

• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-4g

The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:

Homemade bread has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Flaxseed bread, in particular, has gained popularity due to its nutritional benefits and unique flavor. The use of flax seeds adds omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, making it a healthy choice. The process of kneading and allowing the dough to rise ensures a light and airy texture, while the soft butter crust adds a touch of richness. The popularity of this recipe stems from its simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and the satisfaction of baking homemade bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• • It’s a healthy and delicious homemade bread.

• • It’s easy to customize with different seeds or herbs.
  • It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
  • It fills the house with a wonderful aroma.

Health Benefits:

• • Flax seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans.
  • Whole grains provide essential nutrients and fiber.

• Homemade bread allows control over ingredients and avoids additives.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with butter, jam, or honey.

• • Use for sandwiches or toast.
  • Enjoy as a side with soups or salads.
  • Make French toast or bread pudding.

Tips:

• • Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly for a smooth and elastic texture.

• • Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place.
  • Brush with butter before baking for a soft crust.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Variations to Try:

• • Add other seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds can be added.
  • Use whole wheat flour: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.

• • Add herbs: Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
  • Make it sweet: Add raisins or other dried fruits for a sweet bread.
  • Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for a nutty texture.

Conclusion:

This homemade flaxseed bread with soft butter crust is a delightful and nutritious addition to any meal. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• • Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
    • Yes, active dry yeast can be used. Proof it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the dough.
  • Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
    • • Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook can be used.
  • Can I use a different type of oil?
    • Yes, olive oil or melted coconut oil can be used.

• • Can I make this bread without flax seeds?
    • Yes, the bread will still be delicious without flax seeds.
  • How do I store leftover bread?
    • • Store leftover bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature.
  • Can I freeze the bread?
    • Yes, the bread can be frozen. Slice it before freezing for easier use.

• • Can I make this bread without milk?
    • Yes, water or a milk alternative can be used.
  • How do I know when the bread is done?
    • • The top will be golden brown, and the bread will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Can I add other spices to the dough?
    • Yes, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be added.

• Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
  • Yes, follow your bread machine’s instructions for a basic white or whole wheat bread recipe, adding the flax seeds.