Bread with bran

Wheat Bran Bread Recipe – A Healthy Delicacy for Any Moment

Total Preparation Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 10

Who doesn’t love a warm loaf of bread fresh out of the oven? This wheat bran bread recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to carefully chosen ingredients. Whether you serve it for breakfast with a slice of butter and jam or use it for a healthy sandwich, this bread will surely become your favorite. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!

The Magical Ingredients

To create an exceptional bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 200 ml buttermilk – adds a fluffy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
- 50 ml warm milk – helps activate the yeast and enhances the aroma.
- 50 ml lukewarm water – essential for activating the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to balance the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – helps the yeast ferment better.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for a golden crust and added flavor.
- 200 g white flour – ensures a fine texture.
- 150 g whole wheat flour – for extra fiber and nutrients.
- 150 g bran (ground in a coffee grinder or food processor) – for a unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
- ½ cube fresh yeast – the key ingredient for making the bread rise.
- Decoration: 1 egg (for brushing) and pumpkin seeds (for a crunchy and delicious appearance).

Step by Step: Preparing the Bread

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, except for the milk and water, which should be warm. This is an essential trick for activating the yeast. Start by measuring all the ingredients.

2. Adding Ingredients to the Bread Machine: In a bread machine, add the ingredients in the following order:
- Buttermilk
- Warm milk
- Lukewarm water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- White flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Bran
- Yeast broken into pieces (be careful not to put it directly on the salt, as salt can inhibit yeast activity).

3. Kneading the Dough: Set the machine to the bread dough or pasta dough program. This program will knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. First Rising: After kneading, place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the Bread: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a greased loaf pan. Shape the dough into a loaf, flattening it in the pan.

6. Second Rising: Let the dough rise again in the pan, covered, for another 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

7. Preparing for the Oven: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Before placing the pan in the oven, brush the surface of the dough with beaten egg. This step will give a beautifully golden crust. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy appearance and delicious aroma.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 30 minutes, or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

9. Cooling: Once the bread is done, let it cool in the oven with the door ajar to prevent condensation. This will help maintain a crispy crust.

Practical Tips

- Checking the Yeast: If your yeast is not fresh, the bread will not rise properly. Make sure to check the expiration date.
- Ingredient Variability: You can experiment by adding dried herbs, sunflower seeds, or even olives for an intensified flavor.
- Pumpkin Seeds: These not only provide a pleasant texture but are also full of nutrients. You can replace pumpkin seeds with sesame or chia seeds, according to your preferences.
- Serving: Serve the bread warm, with butter or flavored olive oil, alongside a fresh salad or a cheese platter for a complete meal.

Nutritional Values

This wheat bran bread is not only tasty but also healthy. Here are some nutritional benefits:
- Fiber: Whole wheat flour and bran provide a significant amount of fiber, essential for digestion.
- Protein: Buttermilk contributes to the protein content of the bread, providing a feeling of fullness.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace fresh yeast with dry yeast?: Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh yeast.
- How can I keep the bread fresh?: Store the bread in an airtight container or a clean towel in a cool place. This will help maintain freshness.
- Can it be frozen?: Absolutely! The bread freezes very well. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap.

Customized Version

To make this recipe even more special, you can add a few surprise ingredients:
- Ground Nuts: Add 100 g of ground nuts to the dough for a unique texture and flavor.
- Aromatic Herbs: A handful of oregano or rosemary adds a note of freshness and a Mediterranean taste.

This simple wheat bran bread recipe is perfect for preparing over the weekend when you have time to enjoy the cooking process. It will transform your entire culinary experience, leaving you with an inviting aroma throughout the house. So, put on your apron and let’s prepare this delicacy together!