Finnish Cricket Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) cricket flour 1 cup (120g) cricket flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 cup (235ml) warm water 1 cup (235ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, cricket flour, salt, sugar, yeast, fennel seeds, and caraway seeds.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix well until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cricket flour — Ensure that the cricket flour you use is sourced from reputable suppliers and is suitable for consumption. It adds a unique flavor and boosts the protein content of the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have cricket flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of whole wheat flour.
• For added flavor, you can toast the fennel seeds and caraway seeds before adding them to the dough.
• To achieve a crustier bread, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Serving advice

Serve Finnish Cricket Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads. It can also be enjoyed as a side with soups, stews, or salads.

Presentation advice

Slice the Finnish Cricket Bread into thick slices and arrange them on a breadboard or a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fennel seeds or caraway seeds for an attractive presentation.