Sunflower and Grains Bread 🌻🍞
Cook Time: 3 Hours
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Yield: 1 1/2 pound loaf
Description:
Dive into the wholesome goodness of homemade Sunflower and Grains Bread. Perfect for a healthy brunch, a delightful snack, or a satisfying addition to lunch, this bread is brimming with hearty grains, crunchy nuts, and a hint of sweetness. It’s low in cholesterol and high in flavor, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a nutritious and delicious treat. This bread recipe is straightforward and suitable for bread machines, ensuring an easy and rewarding baking experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/8 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3/4 teaspoon molasses
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dark raisins
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 183.7
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 0.9mg
- Sodium: 171.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.9g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 5.9g
Instructions
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Prepare the Oats: 🌾
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rolled oats evenly on a shallow baking pan. Toast them in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown. This toasting process enhances the flavor of the oats, giving the bread a deeper, nuttier taste. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. -
Bread Machine Setup: 🥖
Add the cooled oats along with all the other ingredients into your bread machine. The order of ingredients can be crucial depending on your bread machine model, so follow your manufacturer’s directions carefully. Typically, liquids are added first, followed by dry ingredients, with the yeast being added last to avoid contact with the salt before the kneading starts. -
Choose the Bread Cycle: 🔄
Select the whole wheat or basic white bread cycle on your bread machine. Also, choose your preferred crust color setting (light, medium, or dark). Start the machine. The bread machine will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread, filling your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. -
Final Touches: 🌟
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the machine. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling period is essential as it allows the bread to firm up and makes slicing easier and neater.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sunflower and Grains Bread
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions:
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Molasses: This ingredient adds a rich depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the bread. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or maple syrup for a different but equally delightful taste.
- Sunflower Seeds: For extra crunch and variety, consider adding a mix of seeds like pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds.
- Raisins: Dark raisins add a touch of natural sweetness. You can replace them with golden raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
Baking Techniques:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your buttermilk and other ingredients are at room temperature before adding them to the bread machine. This helps in activating the yeast effectively.
- Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into the measuring cup, which can lead to dense bread.
- Monitoring Dough Consistency: During the initial kneading phase, check the dough consistency. It should be slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bread machine pan. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Storage and Serving:
- Storing Bread: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it. When ready to eat, toast the slices directly from the freezer.
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it toasted with a smear of butter and honey for breakfast, or use it to make hearty sandwiches. It pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this bread without a bread machine?
A: Absolutely! You can make this bread by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Follow the same ingredient measurements and kneading instructions. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size before baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Q: What can I do if my bread doesn’t rise properly?
A: Several factors can affect the rise of your bread, such as the freshness of your yeast, the temperature of your ingredients, and the ambient temperature. Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired. Use warm (not hot) liquids to activate the yeast, and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Q: How can I add more flavor to my bread?
A: You can experiment with different ingredients to enhance the flavor of your bread. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract can create unique and delicious variations.
Fun Fact about Sunflower Seeds 🌻
Sunflower seeds are not just tasty; they’re also packed with nutrients! They are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, which are all essential for maintaining good health. Adding sunflower seeds to your diet can help improve heart health, support the immune system, and provide a boost of energy.
Conclusion
Creating Sunflower and Grains Bread at home is a rewarding experience that combines the joy of baking with the pleasure of enjoying a wholesome, homemade loaf. This bread is not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious, making it a perfect choice for any meal of the day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is simple to follow and yields fantastic results every time.
Enjoy baking and savoring every slice of this delightful Sunflower and Grains Bread! 🌻🍞✨
