7 Grain Wheat Bread
7 Grain Wheat Bread is a hearty, nutritious loaf made from a blend of seven whole grains, including wheat, barley, and oats. Its dense texture and nutty flavor come from the diverse grains, which provide essential nutrients and fiber. This bread is a wholesome choice for a healthy diet.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- loaf pan,
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup flaxseeds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup cracked wheat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- While the yeast is activating, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, cracked wheat, and salt in a separate bowl.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped and has a golden-brown crust.
Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it fresh or toasted with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a slightly sweeter twist, you can add a handful of dried fruit or nuts to the dough. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the whole wheat flour with more all-purpose flour.