Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious addition to your dinner table? Look no further than this hearty wheat berry bread recipe! This homemade bread is packed with wholesome goodness, offering a delightful twist on traditional loaves. Perfect for sandwiches, alongside soup, or simply enjoyed on its own, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, offering a satisfyingly chewy texture and a subtle nutty flavor that will leave you wanting more. Let's dive into this simple yet rewarding baking experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (optional, for a richer flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Wheat Berries
- Rinse the wheat berries thoroughly under cold water.
- Combine the wheat berries and 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the wheat berries are tender but still have a slight chew. Drain well and set aside to cool completely. This step can be done ahead of time.
Step 2: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to leaven your bread.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
- Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Stir in the cooked wheat berries.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour (if using), mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: First Rise
- 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 the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 7: Baking the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). You can use a bread thermometer for accuracy.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the internal structure to set. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade wheat berry bread!
Tips for the Best Wheat Berry Bread:
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough bread.
- Use a good quality yeast: Fresh yeast will give you the best results.
- Check the internal temperature: Using a thermometer ensures your bread is baked through.
- Let the bread cool completely: This prevents a gummy texture.
Variations:
- Add nuts and seeds: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds for added flavor and texture.
- Use different flours: Experiment with rye flour, spelt flour, or a combination of flours.
- Add herbs and spices: A dash of rosemary, thyme, or even cinnamon can create unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and slice size. However, expect a good source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. A nutritional calculator can provide more precise values based on your specific recipe variations. This bread is a great addition to any healthy meal plan, offering a satisfying and nutritious way to enjoy whole grains.