Making brown bread at home can be a rewarding and aromatic experience.
Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Add a pinch of sugar to help activate it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix well.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of lukewarm water with honey/molasses and vegetable oil.
4. Kneading the Dough:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the wet ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon until it forms a dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
6. Shaping and Second Rise:
- Punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen for the second time, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cooling:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle oats, seeds, or nuts on top of the bread before baking.
- To check if the bread is done, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Store the cooled bread in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Enjoy your homemade brown bread with spreads, soups, or as a tasty accompaniment to various dishes!
