Are you ready to experience the unparalleled aroma and taste of bread made with freshly milled flour? Forget those bland, store-bought loaves! This recipe guides you through making your own delicious, healthy bread from scratch, starting with the milling process. It's easier than you think, and the reward – a crusty, flavorful loaf – is well worth the effort. This recipe offers a fantastic quick dinner idea or a healthy addition to any meal. This recipe will satisfy your craving for homemade cooking and delicious dishes, offering one of the best recipes you’ll ever try!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat berries
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup freshly milled whole wheat flour (from the 2 cups of berries, see instructions below)
- 1 ½ - 2 cups additional freshly milled whole wheat flour, as needed
Instructions:
Step 1: Milling the Wheat Berries
- Use a grain mill to grind the 2 cups of whole wheat berries into flour. If you don't own a mill, you can purchase pre-milled whole wheat flour. However, freshly milled flour offers a superior taste and texture. Aim for a medium-fine grind. Set aside ½ cup of this freshly milled flour for later use.
Step 2: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic, leading to a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
- Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the ½ cup of reserved freshly milled flour and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the remaining freshly milled flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, if necessary, to achieve the right consistency.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shaping and Second Rise
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf in a lightly oiled 9x5 inch loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 7: Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success:
- Water Temperature: Using the correct water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Flour Consistency: The amount of flour needed may vary slightly depending on the type of flour and the humidity. Add flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewier, more textured loaf.
Variations:
- Add herbs and spices to the dough for extra flavor, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Incorporate seeds, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds, for added nutrition and texture.
- Use different types of grains to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the exact amount of flour used. Nutritional information is best determined using a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients and serving size. However, expect this bread to be a good source of fiber and whole grains.
Enjoy your freshly milled bread! It's a delicious and rewarding experience, perfect for easy recipes and healthy meals. Share your baking adventures with us!