Recipe: Whole Wheat Bread – On the Lighter Side
Description:
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this Whole Wheat Bread recipe, crafted to perfection for those seeking a lighter option. With a blend of whole wheat and bread flour, sweetened with a touch of honey, this bread promises a delightful texture and flavor that will elevate any mealtime. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to deliver simplicity and satisfaction with every slice. Let’s dive into the delightful journey of baking your own Whole Wheat Bread!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water π°
- 1 tablespoon honey π―
- 3/4 teaspoon salt π§
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour πΎ
- 2 cups bread flour π
- 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional) πΎ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast π
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 804.4
- Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 591.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 161.7g
- Fiber: 15.7g
- Sugar: 26.5g
- Protein: 24g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 5 minutes β°
- Cooking: 3 hours β°
- Total: 3 hours 5 minutes β°
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed above. Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready for use.
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Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Begin by adding the ingredients to your bread machine’s pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Start with water, then add honey, salt, whole wheat flour, bread flour, vital wheat gluten (if using), and finally, active dry yeast. This order helps in ensuring optimal mixing and rising of the dough.
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Set Bread Machine: Once all the ingredients are added, securely place the bread pan into the bread machine. Close the lid and select the whole wheat setting on your bread machine. This setting typically includes the necessary kneading, rising, and baking times tailored specifically for whole wheat bread.
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Initiate Baking Process: Start the bread machine, allowing it to work its magic in kneading and proofing the dough. Sit back and enjoy the aroma as your kitchen fills with the scent of freshly baked bread.
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Monitor Progress: Throughout the baking process, you can periodically check on the dough’s progress through the viewing window of your bread machine. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily, as this can affect the rising process.
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Completion: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine using oven mitts or kitchen towels, as it will be hot. Gently shake the bread out onto a wire rack to cool.
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Cooling and Slicing: Allow the freshly baked Whole Wheat Bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps in setting the crumb structure and prevents the bread from becoming too dense.
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Enjoy! Once cooled, slice your Whole Wheat Bread and savor each delightful bite. Enjoy it plain, toasted, or paired with your favorite spreads and toppings. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or bread bag to maintain its freshness.
Tips:
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Experiment with different ratios of whole wheat flour to bread flour to customize the texture and flavor of your bread.
- Adding vital wheat gluten helps enhance the rise and structure of the bread, especially when using whole wheat flour.
- To ensure accuracy in measuring ingredients, use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients.
- If you don’t have a bread machine, you can still make this recipe using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or by hand-kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
With its simple yet wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this Whole Wheat Bread recipe is perfect for weeknight baking or anytime you crave the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your bread machine, and let’s embark on a delightful baking adventure together!
