Are you looking for a delicious and healthy bread recipe that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This spelt bread maker recipe delivers a wonderfully nutty and flavorful loaf with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking, this recipe is a staple for anyone who appreciates homemade goodness without the fuss. It’s one of those easy recipes that consistently delivers delicious results, making it a firm favorite for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups spelt flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions:
-
Activate the Yeast: In your bread maker's pan, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If the yeast doesn't foam, it might be inactive, and you'll need a fresh batch.
-
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the salt, spelt flour, and whole wheat flour to the yeast mixture. Give it a quick stir to combine. Don't overmix at this stage.
-
Bread Maker Time: Place the bread maker pan into your machine. Select the dough cycle. Most bread makers have a setting specifically for dough, allowing you to shape the loaf yourself later.
-
First Rise: Once the dough cycle is complete, the dough should be smooth and elastic. Lightly flour a surface and gently turn the dough out. Shape it into a round loaf.
-
Second Rise (Optional): Place the shaped loaf in a lightly greased bread pan. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size. This step isn't strictly necessary if you're short on time, but it will result in a slightly airier loaf.
-
Bake (Optional): If you chose to do a second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). If you skipped the second rise and are baking directly from the bread maker, refer to your machine's instructions for baking time.
-
Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the crumb to set properly and prevents a soggy loaf.
Tips for the Best Spelt Bread:
- Flour Power: Spelt flour can be a bit denser than all-purpose flour. Don't be afraid to add a tablespoon or two of extra water if the dough seems too dry during the mixing process.
- Yeast is Key: Use fresh yeast for the best results. Old yeast can lead to a flat loaf.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to a tough bread. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Warmth is Important: Make sure your water is the correct temperature for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Add seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax), nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Different Grains: Experiment with other grains like rye or oat flour for a unique twist on this delicious recipe.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on loaf size and ingredients added. However, a general estimate per slice is:
- Calories: 100-150
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fiber: 2-4g
This spelt bread maker recipe provides a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bread without the need for extensive kneading or shaping. It is a perfect example of delicious dishes and best recipes that are easy to prepare, resulting in a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a surefire winner, allowing you to easily incorporate more homemade cooking into your routine. Enjoy!