Bread made from whole grain flour and flax seeds

Whole wheat and flaxseed bread – a healthy and delicious choice

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Introduction

Enjoy the aroma and texture of homemade bread made with simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients. Whole wheat and flaxseed bread is not only a healthy choice but also a satisfying experience. Flaxseeds, rich in omega-3 and fiber, add flavor and nutritional benefits. This recipe is easy to follow, perfect for those looking to enhance their diet with a healthy staple.

A bit of history

Bread is a fundamental food in the diet, and the whole wheat variety has been appreciated for centuries for its nutritional benefits. The use of flaxseeds in baking has gained popularity due to their antioxidant properties and the crunchy texture they provide to the bread. Additionally, flaxseeds are recognized for their ability to support digestive health.

Ingredients

- 500 g whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons flaxseeds
- 350-370 ml lukewarm water
- 3 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar

Preparing the bread

1. Activating the yeast: Start by bringing 100 ml of lukewarm water to a comfortable temperature, not too hot. Add a teaspoon of sugar and a packet of dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring optimal dough rise.

2. Preparing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the salt and flaxseeds. It is important to use coarse salt as it will dissolve evenly in the dough. Flaxseeds can be added whole or ground, depending on preferences. If you choose to grind them, make sure not to turn them into flour, but just into a fine powder.

3. Forming the dough: Once the yeast is activated, pour the yeast mixture over the dry ingredients. Start kneading by hand, gradually adding the rest of the lukewarm water. Continue kneading until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your fingers. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.

4. Adding the oil: Once you have achieved an elastic dough, add the 3 tablespoons of oil. Knead again for a few minutes until the oil is fully incorporated. This step will help achieve a more tender crust and a fluffier texture.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot, away from drafts, for about 1 hour. The dough should double in volume during this time. You can check if it has risen enough by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if it forms an indentation that slowly springs back, it's ready.

6. Shaping the bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into 7 equal parts and one larger piece (to be used as the top of the bread). Form balls with your lightly oiled hands to prevent sticking. Place the balls in a greased round baking dish, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

7. Second rising: Let the dough balls rise in the dish for 20 minutes. This step will ensure a fluffy and airy bread.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Once the dough has risen again, place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when the crust turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

9. Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the dish for a few minutes, then transfer it to a kitchen towel to cool completely. This step helps maintain a crispy crust.

Serving suggestions

This whole wheat and flaxseed bread is perfect for breakfast, served with butter and jam or a drizzle of honey. You can also use slices for healthy sandwiches, complemented with fresh vegetables and proteins. A savory option is to serve it with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Variations and tips

- Add other seeds: You can experiment by adding sesame, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds for a varied texture.
- Flavoring: Incorporate dried herbs or spices like rosemary, oregano, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Improve the texture: If you like a crunchier crust, you can spray water in the oven at the beginning of baking.
- Sourdough bread: If you're adventurous, you can turn this recipe into a sourdough one by replacing the yeast with a sourdough starter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use white flour, but the bread will have a different nutritional profile. Whole wheat flour offers more fiber and nutrients.

2. What do I do if I don't have flaxseeds?
You can omit the flaxseeds or replace them with other seeds, such as sesame or pumpkin seeds.

3. How do I keep the bread fresh?
The bread keeps best in a cloth bag or a bread box. You can freeze the bread to keep it fresh longer.

Nutritional benefits

This whole wheat bread is rich in fiber, contributing to digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight. Flaxseeds provide omega-3 fatty acids, essential for cardiovascular health. Additionally, the protein content in the dough is beneficial for building and repairing muscles.

Conclusion

Whole wheat and flaxseed bread is not only an easy recipe to make but also a perfect example of a healthy and delicious food that you can prepare at home. Experimenting with different ingredients and spices will help you customize the recipe and make it truly unique. Try this recipe and enjoy the aroma and texture of bread made with love!