Sure! Here are the key ingredients you'll need to bake a delicious 100% whole wheat bread, optimized for search engines:
**100% Whole Wheat Flour:**
- Unbleached, stone-ground, or artisan whole wheat flour for a rich, nutty flavor.
**Active Dry Yeast:**
- Essential for leavening and giving your bread a fluffy texture.
**Sea Salt:**
- Enhances the flavor and acts as a natural preservative.
**Water:**
- Use lukewarm water around 110-115°F to activate the yeast effectively.
**Honey or Molasses:**
- Adds sweetness and enhances the dough's fermentation process.
**Butter or Olive Oil:**
- Contributes richness and moisture to the bread.
**Optional Add-Ins:**
- Whole grains like oats, barley, or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
- Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or flax for extra crunch and flavor.
- Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped nuts for a sweet twist.
Remember to use organic and high-quality ingredients whenever possible for the best baking experience
Steps
## How to Make a Wholesome 100% Whole Wheat Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting a delectable 100% whole wheat bread at home can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Not only will you have complete control over the ingredients used but also create a healthier version of this classic staple. With a little patience and careful attention to detail, you'll be enjoying a fragrant and nutritious whole wheat bread in no time.
### Ingredients:
* 4 cups whole wheat flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
* 1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
### Instructions:
1. **Preparing the Dough:**
- Combine the whole wheat flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly into the well and make sure not to let it come into direct contact with the salt.
2. **Activating the Yeast:**
- Gradually pour the warm water into the well while stirring continuously. Do this until all the liquid has been absorbed, forming a rough dough.
- Stir in the honey and olive oil to bring the dough together. Use your hands if necessary to combine.
3. **Kneading the Dough:**
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour, but avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and bounces back when you press your finger on it.
4. **First Proofing:**
- Form the kneaded dough into a round ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel to provide a humid environment.
- Set aside the bowl in a warm place, free from drafts, for about 1-1½ hours or until the dough doubles in size.
5. **Shaping the Loaf:**
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it by pressing down with your fist. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into an oblong shape.
- Starting from the short end, tightly roll up the dough into a cylinder, pinching the edges together as you go to seal the seam.
6. **Second Proofing:**
- Grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan and place the dough seam-side down in the pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for an additional 1 hour or until it reaches the rim of the pan.
7. **Baking the Bread:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has doubled in size, carefully remove the plastic wrap or towel.
- Before baking, optionally brush the top of the dough with your favorite liquid, such as water, milk, or egg wash, for a glossy crust.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cooling:**
- Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the loaf pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Avoid slicing the bread when it's hot to preserve its texture.
> **Enjoy Your Homemade Goodness:** Savor every bite of the wholesome, 100% whole wheat bread knowing that you crafted it with your own hands. It's the perfect complement to your breakfast, sandwiches, or any meal of your choice!