Whole grain bread with seeds

Whole Grain Seed Bread – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Every Day

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread? This whole grain seed bread recipe will not only fill your home with divine aromas, but it is also an excellent nutritional choice, perfect for breakfast or as a companion to meals. Get ready to discover a simple and satisfying recipe that will surely become a favorite in your family.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g whole wheat and rye flour
- 330 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 12 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped pumpkin seeds

A bit of history

Bread is a staple food in many cultures around the world, often symbolizing life and abundance. Bread recipes have evolved over time, and today, whole grain bread is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits. This seed bread combines the nutrition provided by whole flour with the crunchy texture and delicious taste of seeds.

Preparing the dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the whole flour, poppy seeds, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients. The salt should not be added directly over the yeast, as it can inhibit its activity.

3. Combine the ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture over the dry ingredients. Start adding the warm water gradually, mixing continuously with a spatula or your hands. Continue adding water until the dough begins to come together. It is important not to add all the water at once, as the consistency may vary depending on humidity.

4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it sticks to your hands, you can add a little flour, but avoid adding too much to prevent drying out the dough.

5. Add the oil: At the end of kneading, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and continue kneading until the oil is fully incorporated.

6. Let it rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Shaping the bread

7. Shape the bread: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently press it to release the air. Shape it into an oval or round form, depending on your preference.

8. Place in the pan: Put the dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it again and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

9. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 190°C. It is essential that the oven is well heated to achieve a crispy crust.

10. Prepare for baking: After the dough has risen again, sprinkle your desired seeds on top (for example, more sunflower or sesame seeds) for an attractive appearance and added texture.

Baking

11. Bake the bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. If you want a crunchier crust, you can place a dish of water in the oven to create steam.

12. Cooling: Once the bread is baked, remove it from the tray and let it cool on a wire rack. It is important to let the bread cool completely before slicing it to avoid affecting the texture.

Serving suggestions

This whole grain seed bread is delicious served plain, with butter, or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also use it for healthy sandwiches, adding fresh vegetables, cheese, or meat of your choice. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with a warm soup or a fresh salad.

Possible variations

You can experiment with different types of seeds, adding, for example, flax or chia seeds, or you can replace part of the flour with rye flour for a richer taste. If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add dried herbs or spices such as rosemary or basil to the dough.

Nutritional benefits

This bread is an excellent source of fiber, thanks to the whole flour and seeds, making it beneficial for digestion. Additionally, the seeds are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I tell if the bread is baked? A simple trick is to lightly tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it's done.
2. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount; usually, one teaspoon of dry yeast is equivalent to 12 g of fresh yeast.
3. How can I store the bread? Bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but you can freeze it for later use.

Conclusion

Whether it's for a healthy breakfast, a quick lunch, or a hearty dinner, this whole grain seed bread is the perfect solution. An easy-to-follow recipe, full of flavors and nutritional benefits, that is worth trying. Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and share the results with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Necessary ingredients: 500g of whole wheat and rye flour, 330ml of water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 12g of fresh yeast, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds, 1 tablespoon of chopped pumpkin seeds.