Whole Wheat Sunflower Seed Bread Recipe
A wholesome, hearty bread with the perfect blend of whole wheat, oats, and sunflower seeds, this recipe will add a nutritious twist to your bread basket. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasted with a little butter, or simply served alongside a comforting bowl of soup. With its nutty flavor and crunchy texture, this bread is bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower seeds (roasted) | 1/2 cup |
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup |
| Oats flour | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 1 cup |
| Active dry yeast | 1-1/2 teaspoon |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1-1/4 cups |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 240 minutes (includes rising time)
Total Time: 255 minutes (4 hours 15 minutes)
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
To start, gather all your ingredients and make sure your yeast is fresh. For the best results, you can use a sourdough starter or active dry yeast. If using dry yeast, check its expiration date to ensure it’s still active.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the water, curd (yogurt), honey, and olive oil. Mix until the honey dissolves completely. Set aside. Also, reserve a small handful of sunflower seeds for sprinkling on top of the loaf later. Toss these reserved seeds in a little honey to coat them lightly. -
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the whole wheat flour, oats flour, all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and salt. Whisk these together to ensure they are evenly distributed. -
Form the Dough:
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while mixing gently. If you’re using a stand mixer, you can mix at a low speed with a dough hook to incorporate the ingredients into a soft dough. Continue kneading the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too soft, sprinkle in a bit of flour to firm it up. If it feels too dry, add a small splash of water to achieve the right consistency. -
First Rise:
Once the dough comes together, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. This should take about 3 hours. The dough should feel airy and puffy when fully risen. -
Shape and Second Rise:
After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and knead it once more to ensure an even texture. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased bread pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. During this second rise, the dough should expand and fill the pan. -
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen to the top of the pan, sprinkle the remaining sunflower seeds over the top, gently pressing them into the dough so they stick. -
Bake the Bread:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom of the loaf. If the bread hasn’t reached this stage, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. The “Tap-Hollow Sound Test” is the best way to ensure your bread is properly baked. -
Cool the Bread:
Once the bread has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions:
This Whole Wheat Sunflower Seed Bread is perfect on its own or served with dips like Tzatziki or Hummus. You can also pair it with a cup of masala chai for a delightful snack or serve it as part of a hearty meal. It’s wonderful when toasted with a bit of butter, or sliced and topped with your favorite sandwich fillings.
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this nutritious bread at your table, and savor the flavors with each bite!
Pro Tip:
For an even more aromatic bread, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or rosemary to the dry ingredients. This will give your bread an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes.
