Rye bread with almonds - high in fiber, low in gluten

Rye and Almond Bread: A Healthy and Delicious Recipe

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Can you imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread, with a soft texture and a crispy crust, filling your home with an inviting smell? This is exactly the experience you will have with this rye and almond bread recipe. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy option, rich in fiber and low in gluten. Whether you serve it at breakfast with a slice of cheese or as an accompaniment to a warm soup, this bread will win you over from the first bite.

A Brief History

Rye bread has deep roots in human dietary history. Used for centuries, rye was often preferred in cooler climate regions due to its resilience to harsher conditions. Combining it with almonds not only enhances the flavor but also adds a boost of nutrients. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. So, you not only enjoy tasty bread but also one that nourishes your body.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious rye and almond bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 250 g whole wheat flour
- 250 g whole rye flour
- 3 heaping tablespoons almond flour
- 2 heaping tablespoons fine wheat bran
- 2 heaping tablespoons fine rye bran
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon psyllium husk (optional but recommended for better texture)
- A pinch of salt

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Flour: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with the whole rye flour. This mixture will form the base of your recipe. Ensure that the ingredients are well homogenized to achieve even bread.

2. Activating the Yeast: In another container, gently warm the milk (it should not be hot, just lukewarm). Add the cube of fresh yeast and a teaspoon of sugar (if you prefer, you can also use honey). Stir gently until the yeast completely dissolves. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Preparing the Dough: Once the yeast is activated, add the yeast mixture to the bowl with flour. Also add the salt, olive oil, psyllium husk, and the other brans. Mix the ingredients well using a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Kneading the Dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for developing the gluten, even though the recipe contains less gluten than traditional bread.

5. Rising the Dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the Bread: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can make a few cuts on top to allow steam to escape during baking, which will help form a crispy crust.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with the bread in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes or until the bread is golden and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the middle of the bread).

8. Cooling: Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 15-20 minutes. This step is important to allow steam to escape, keeping the crust crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This rye and almond bread is fantastic served plain, but for an extra flavor boost, you can add slices of goat cheese, avocado, or an olive pâté. It is also delicious alongside a warm soup or a fresh salad.

Possible Variations

To customize the recipe, you can add sunflower or pumpkin seeds to the dough for a richer flavor and a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as quinoa or oat flour, to adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

This bread is packed with fiber, which helps improve digestion and maintain intestinal health. Additionally, its low gluten content makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities or looking to reduce gluten in their diet. Almonds add a good amount of healthy fats and proteins, making this bread not only tasty but also nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about half the amount of fresh yeast.

2. How can I keep the bread fresh longer?
The bread keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it to extend its shelf life.

3. Is this bread suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

4. Can I add other ingredients like herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a delicious aroma to your bread.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Making this rye and almond bread is a delightful activity and will bring you the satisfaction of enjoying fresh, healthy, and flavorful bread. Whether you choose to serve it as is or turn it into a delicious sandwich, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!