Are you craving a homemade bread that's not only nutritious but incredibly simple to make? Look no further! This Quick and Easy Wholemeal Loaf is about to revolutionize your baking game, transforming your kitchen into a artisan bakery with minimal effort. Packed with wholesome goodness and bursting with flavor, this recipe will have you ditching store-bought bread forever and impressing your family and friends with your baking skills.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups wholemeal flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 3 cups of wholemeal flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 1/4 cups of warm water. Ensure the water is warm to the touch but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir gently until the honey is dissolved.
- Add the packet of active dry yeast to the warm water mixture. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise properly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wholemeal flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well of the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until they form a rough dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 10-15 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
- While the loaf is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your freshly baked wholemeal loaf as a healthy addition to any meal or as a delicious snack!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F) but not hot. Too hot water will kill the yeast, preventing your bread from rising.
- Knead with Confidence: Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives your bread its perfect texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on works perfectly.
- Check Doneness: The "hollow sound" test is crucial. Tap the bottom of the loaf - if it sounds hollow, it's ready!
- Cooling is Key: Always let your bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Store Smartly: Keep your wholemeal loaf in an airtight container or bread bag to maintain freshness for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
