Wheat Berry Bread
Hearty, wholesome, and packed with texture, this Wheat Berry Bread is a homemade masterpiece that showcases the nutty chewiness of tender wheat berries baked into a soft, flavorful loaf. Perfect for sandwich lovers or toast enthusiasts, this bread combines whole wheat and all-purpose flours to create the ideal balance of density and softness. Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness, while the inclusion of cooked wheat berries elevates this loaf with bursts of chewy, grainy goodness. With an enticing aroma, a golden crust, and a nutrient-packed profile thanks to whole grains, this bread is a healthy yet satisfying addition to your baking repertoire. Whether slathered with butter, topped with avocado, or simply enjoyed as-is, this delicious bread is a true labor of love and worth every moment spent kneading and baking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole wheat berries
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 1 cup Warm water
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 3 cups Whole wheat flour
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
Instructions
Rinse the wheat berries thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a saucepan and add the boiling water. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, or until the wheat berries are tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F or comfortably warm to the touch) with the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
Stir the honey, melted butter or vegetable oil, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Add the whole wheat flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Once the dough becomes too stiff to stir, turn it out onto a floured surface.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, adding in the cooked and cooled wheat berries partway through kneading. Incorporate the all-purpose flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough into a greased mixing bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch the dough down gently to remove air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely with the towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the wheat berry bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.5 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 3573 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 537.8 g | 196% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 70.4 g | 251% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.4 g | ||
| Protein | 88.3 g | 177% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 210 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 26.5 mg | 147% | |
| Potassium | 2544 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
