Are you craving the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread but following a gluten-free and vegan lifestyle? Don't despair! This recipe proves that delicious, homemade bread is entirely achievable without any compromise on taste or texture. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and delivers a loaf that's both healthy and satisfying – the perfect addition to any meal, from a simple breakfast to a hearty dinner. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ cup brown rice flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 cup warm water (around 105-115°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread releases easily.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, brown rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly mixing the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your final bread.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, olive oil, maple syrup (if using), apple cider vinegar, and flax egg. The flax egg acts as a binder, providing structure to the gluten-free bread.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so be gentle!
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Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy your delicious gluten-free and vegan bread!
Tips for Success:
- Flour Blend: Using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend is crucial for achieving a good texture. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, which acts as a binding agent.
- Warm Water: Using warm water helps activate the yeast (if using a recipe with yeast, which this one doesn't) and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Variations:
- Herbs & Spices: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like garlic powder or onion powder, for added flavor.
- Seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This gluten-free and vegan bread recipe is a testament to how delicious and easy healthy eating can be. It’s a perfect example of a quick dinner idea or a satisfying addition to any meal. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this wholesome and flavorful bread!