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.

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

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.