A Nutritious and Delicious Rustic Bread Recipe

Whole wheat bread (blé complet) is the perfect choice for those who want a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying bread that’s easy to make at home.

This recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of whole wheat flour with the softness and texture you love in fresh-baked bread. Ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side dish with your meals.

Ingredients:

• 500g whole wheat flour (blé complet)
• 300ml warm water
• 10g salt
• 7g dry yeast
• 10g butter (instead of olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, to aid fermentation)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, add warm water (ensure it’s not too hot) and dissolve the dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the whole wheat flour and salt.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Once the yeast has activated, pour it into the flour mixture, along with the butter (cut into small pieces) and honey (if using). If you’re using apple cider vinegar, add it here as well. Mix all the ingredients until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

5. First Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly floured bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Shape the dough into your preferred form: you can make it round or oblong. Place it in a floured bread pan or on a baking tray.

7. Second Rise:
Let the dough rest for another 30-40 minutes, covered with a cloth, until it has risen again.

8. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C if using a fan oven). Place a tray with water in the bottom of the oven to create steam, which will help form a crisp crust. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. When you tap the bottom of the bread, it should sound hollow.

9. Cool the Bread:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

Enjoy this soft, wholesome whole wheat bread as part of your daily routine. Perfect for any meal, from sandwiches to toast, it’s a delicious and healthy choice.