Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? This recipe for the best wholemeal bread machine recipe is your answer! Forget battling with sticky dough and complicated kneading techniques. This easy recipe delivers perfectly textured, wholesome bread directly from your bread machine – a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups wholemeal flour
- 2 ½ cups strong white bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to use. Most models require you to add ingredients in a specific order; consult your machine's manual for the correct sequence. Generally, liquids go in first.
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Add the liquids: Pour the warm water into the bread pan, followed by the sugar and salt. A drizzle of olive oil adds flavor and moisture.
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Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the wholemeal flour, followed by the strong white bread flour. Make a small well in the center and sprinkle the yeast on top. Avoid direct contact between the yeast and salt.
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Select the setting: Choose the wholemeal or wholewheat setting on your bread machine. This setting usually takes around 3-4 hours to complete the entire process. Check your machine's manual for specific instructions and timings.
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Start the machine: Close the lid and press the start button. Let the bread machine do its magic! You'll hear the kneading process begin, followed by the rising and baking stages.
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Enjoy your homemade bread: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Wholemeal Bread:
- Water temperature is key: Ensure your water is the correct temperature (105-115°F). Too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will hinder its activation.
- Flour quality matters: Using good quality strong bread flour will result in a better texture and rise.
- Don't over-knead: Let the bread machine handle the kneading; opening the lid during this process can affect the rise.
- Experiment with additions: Feel free to add seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax), nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- Store properly: Once cooled, store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Delicious Variations:
- Seeded Wholemeal Bread: Add ½ cup of mixed seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame) to the dry ingredients.
- Sweet Wholemeal Bread: Add ¼ cup of raisins or cranberries along with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
- Herb Wholemeal Bread: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) into the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and slice size)
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams
This easy wholemeal bread machine recipe makes delicious, homemade bread without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and adds a healthy, homemade touch to your meals. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delicious staple from scratch – a delightful addition to any homemade cooking enthusiast’s repertoire of best recipes and a perfect example of easy recipes for healthy meals. This recipe is your ticket to enjoying fresh, warm, and wholesome bread anytime!