Wheatberry Bread That Will Change Your Life
Discover the perfect wheatberry bread recipe! Nutritious, hearty, and easy to make, this loaf is a must-try for bread lovers looking for a wholesome twist.
Ingredients
ingredients
- 1 cup cooked wheat berries adds a nutty texture and hearty bite
- 3 ½ cups bread flour for structure and a soft crumb
- ½ cup whole wheat flour boosts fiber and flavor
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast helps the bread rise beautifully
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt enhances overall taste
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar balances the flavors
- 2 tablespoons olive oil adds moisture and richness
- 1 ¼ cups warm water activates the yeast and hydrates the dough
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons flaxseeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy twist
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch
Instructions
Soak the Wheatberries
- Before you start mixing, give the wheatberries some time to soak. This softens them and allows them to blend seamlessly into the bread. Here’s how:
- Place 1 cup of wheatberries in a bowl and cover them with warm water.
- Let them sit for 6-8 hours or overnight. If you're short on time, a quick soak in hot water for about an hour works too!
Prepare the Dough
- Now, it’s time to get your bread dough ready:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of bread flour, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- In a separate small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast with ¾ cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to your dry ingredients, along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually stir everything together until it forms a dough.
Knead the Dough
- Once the dough comes together, it’s time to get your hands a little messy:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour as you go.
- Pro tip: Don’t rush the kneading process! It helps build structure in your bread, ensuring a perfect texture.
Incorporate the Wheatberries
- Now for the star ingredient:
- Gently fold the soaked wheatberries into the dough, making sure they're evenly distributed. You should see little pockets of nutty wheat goodness throughout your loaf.
Proof the Dough
- Let the dough rise in a warm place:
- Place it in an oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- If you’re short on time, you can use the “quick proof” method by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and letting the dough rise inside.
Shape and Bake
- Now comes the fun part—shaping and baking your bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, shape it into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it up.
- Place the dough in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and cover it to rise again for about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This ensures the loaf sets properly and doesn’t become gummy.
- Slice it thick for a hearty sandwich or thin for delicate toast.
- With these simple steps, you’ll have a loaf of wheatberry bread that’s ready to change your life!