Homemade Whole Grain Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) whole wheat flour 3 cups (360g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) oats 1 cup (120g) oats
• 1/4 cup (30g) ground flaxseeds 1/4 cup (30g) ground flaxseeds
• 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oats, ground flaxseeds, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, honey, and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
8. 8.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whole wheat flour — Ensure you are using whole wheat flour and not all-purpose flour for the nutritional benefits and texture.
• Oats — Use rolled oats or quick oats, not instant oats, for the desired texture.
• Ground flaxseeds — Grind flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or use pre-ground flaxseeds for better absorption of nutrients.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds or sunflower seeds on top of the loaf before baking.
• To achieve a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
• Experiment with different combinations of grains and seeds to personalize the bread to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade whole grain bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed with a spread of your choice.

Presentation advice

Slice the bread into thick slices and arrange them on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.