Description
Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is a rustic, homemade bread made using wholemeal flour, which retains the bran and germ of the wheat grain. This type of bread is known for its rich, earthy flavor and chewy texture, making it a nutritious and delicious alternative to white bread. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.
Ingredients
- Wholemeal flour (500g): The base of the bread, provides fiber and a nutty taste.
- Fast-action yeast (7g): Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
- Warm water (300ml): Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Optional, but it adds a slight sweetness and feeds the yeast.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease your loaf tin.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the wholemeal flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the warm water, olive oil, and honey (if using), and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf tin.
- Second rise: Let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes, until it reaches the top of the tin.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the tin and cool on a wire rack before slicing.