Recipe: 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Grains, Weeknight, Bread Machine, Small Appliance, Easy
Description:
Making 100% whole wheat bread may seem daunting, but fear not! The trick lies in giving the dough an extra knead, which allows the yeast and gluten to work their magic, resulting in a lighter loaf. Gluten, the protein found in wheat, is essential for giving whole wheat flour the structure needed to rise and create a good loaf of bread. If your local grocery store doesn’t carry gluten, consider checking out your nearest health food store.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons dry milk
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/4 teaspoons gluten
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 teaspoons fast-rise yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 336.5
- Fat Content: 20.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 55.1mg
- Sodium Content: 2497.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.6g
- Fiber Content: 1.3g
- Sugar Content: 32.7g
- Protein Content: 5.1g
Instructions:
- Load the ingredients into your bread machine in the order listed.
- Set the machine for the regular bake cycle.
- After the first knead, reset the machine to ensure thorough kneading.
Detailed Recipe:
Making homemade bread can be a rewarding experience, especially when it’s 100% whole wheat bread, which offers both health benefits and delicious flavor. This recipe utilizes a bread machine, making the process easier and more convenient.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Ensure you have high-quality whole wheat flour, as it will greatly impact the flavor and texture of your bread. Measure out the specified quantities of water, dry milk, salt, butter, honey, gluten, molasses, and yeast.
Step 2: Loading the Ingredients
Begin by adding the ingredients to your bread machine’s pan in the order provided. Starting with the liquids first helps ensure proper mixing and activation of the yeast. Carefully measure each ingredient to maintain the balance of flavors and textures in your final loaf.
Step 3: Setting the Machine
Once all the ingredients are loaded into the bread machine, it’s time to select the appropriate settings. Set the machine for the regular bake cycle, ensuring that it will provide enough time for the dough to rise and bake fully. Different machines may have slightly different settings, so consult your machine’s manual if needed.
Step 4: Beginning the Bake Cycle
Start the machine, and allow it to begin mixing and kneading the dough. The initial kneading stage is crucial for developing the gluten structure in the bread, which will give it the desired texture and rise. Whole wheat flour can be denser than white flour, so the extra knead helps ensure a lighter loaf.
Step 5: Resetting the Machine
After the first knead, reset the machine to ensure the dough receives thorough kneading. This additional step helps distribute the ingredients evenly and encourages proper gluten development. It’s a small extra effort that can make a big difference in the final outcome of your bread.
Step 6: Monitoring the Bake
Throughout the baking process, keep an eye on your bread machine to ensure everything is progressing as expected. The aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen, signaling that your homemade loaf is nearing completion.
Step 7: Enjoying Your Bread
Once the bake cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the bread machine and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing into it. Then, serve slices of warm, freshly baked whole wheat bread with your favorite spreads or enjoy it plain.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, to vary the flavor of your bread.
- For a nutty flavor and added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts or seeds into the dough.
- If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter or honey immediately after removing it from the bread machine.
Conclusion:
With just a few simple ingredients and the help of a bread machine, you can create a delicious loaf of 100% whole wheat bread right in your own kitchen. The extra knead in this recipe ensures a light and airy texture, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Give this recipe a try and experience the satisfaction of baking homemade bread from scratch.
