Whole grain bread with oats and flaxseeds

Whole Wheat Bread with Oats and Flaxseeds – A Healthy and Delicious Recipe

In a world where healthy eating is becoming increasingly important, whole wheat bread with oats and flaxseeds is an ideal choice for a nutritious breakfast or an energizing snack. This recipe not only offers a savory taste but also significant nutritional benefits. Oats are an excellent source of fiber, while flaxseeds provide a boost of omega-3. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation Time:

- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours (approximately)
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients:

- 250 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 200 g whole wheat flour
- 180 g white flour
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 70 g oats
- 20 g flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)

Step by Step – Your Guide to Perfect Bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can use extra virgin olive oil.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the white flour and whole wheat flour. Add the salt, sugar, and dry yeast. It’s important that the salt does not come into direct contact with the yeast, as it can inhibit its growth.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and gradually pour in the warm water and oil. Mix well with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients start to combine.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Add the oats and flaxseeds. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it, or the bread will become too dense.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place. Ideally, it should double in volume, which may take between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Step 6: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it to release the air. Shape it into a round ball and place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again for about an hour, covered.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

After the dough has risen again, lightly score the top with a sharp knife, sprinkle a little flour and oats for a rustic and appealing look.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature). Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check it with an oven thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 90°C.

Step 9: Cool

Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It is essential not to cut it while it is warm, as the structure may collapse.

Helpful Tips:

- Variations: You can add other seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. You can also replace part of the white flour with rye flour for a more intense flavor.
- Serving: This bread pairs perfectly with butter, fruit jams, or even cheese. You can serve it alongside a warm soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: The bread keeps well sealed in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer if you want to store it for longer.

Nutritional Benefits

Whole wheat bread with oats and flaxseeds is rich in fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining satiety. Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Additionally, consuming whole grain bread can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. Use about 25 g of fresh yeast instead of 7 g of dry yeast.

2. How can I tell when the bread is baked?
The bread is baked when it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Also, the internal temperature should be around 90°C.

3. What other ingredients can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add dried herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, or even spices like cumin, to give a more complex flavor.

Whole wheat bread with oats and flaxseeds is not just a simple and quick recipe, but also a cooking experience that will enrich both you and your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!