Here’s a simple recipe for homemade brown bread:
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- Optional: 1/4 cup seeds (like sunflower or flax) for added texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey (or sugar), and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. If you’re using seeds, add them here as well.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter). Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also do this in a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it has risen above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!
Slice and serve your homemade brown bread with butter, jam, or as a side to your favorite meals. Enjoy!
