Whole wheat bread

Introduction:

Soft and moist whole wheat bread made with 100% whole wheat flour. Baking bread at home is not difficult but, it needs a little patience and practice. Homemade breads are tastier and much more nutritious....And you get bread with 0% preservatives...Enjoy baking…

	Cuisine: International
	Recipe category: cakes & bakes
	Prep time: 15 min
	Proofing time: 1 hour 10 min
	Cooking time: 30 min
	Serves: 1 big loaf
Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour	3 and 1/2 cups + 1/4 cup for dusting
Salt	1/2 tsp
Butter	1 tbsp (melted & warm) + 1 and 1/2 tsp
For proofing yeast:
Lukewarm water	1 and 1/2 cups
Dry active yeast	3/4 tbsp
or
Instant yeast	1/2 tbsp
Honey	2 to 2 and 1/2 tbsp

Method:

1. To proof yeast: Take lukewarm water (the water must be warm and not hot ...temp 36.5 degree C to 40.5 degree C) in a small bowl
2. To it add yeast and stir. Now add honey and stir until combined. Leave this aside to proof for 5 to 10 min (it foams up)
3. In a deep bowl add whole wheat flour and salt. Mix well. Make a well in the centre. Add the melted warm butter and proofed yeast
4. Mix well and start kneading. Knead for (5 to 8 min). If it is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface or bowl and continue kneading. It will come together as you knead.
5. Now shape the dough into a ball and with the help of a knife score two lines on top of the dough. Close it with a lid or a bowl and wrap with a towel. Leave it to rise for 30 min in a warm place
6. After 30 min the dough is almost doubled in size. Now apply 1/2 tsp of butter on your hand and knead the dough again for 2 to 3 min
7. Shape the dough into a ball and score on top of the dough and cover it in the same way. Allow it to rise for 20 min
8. After 20 min shape it into a loaf (no kneading is needed)and place it in a buttered loaf pan
9. Cover it with a towel and allow it to rise for 20 min
10. Preheat oven - 180 degree C/350 F for 10 min
11. Bake the bread in preheated oven at 180 degree C for 25 - 30 min (time varies depending on oven)
12. Remove bread from oven and apply 1/2 tsp of butter on top of the bread. Cover it with a parchment paper or a towel and leave it aside for 10 min
13. This prevents the crust from hardening
14. Now leave it to cool completely.
15. Slice bread (thick or thin) as you prefer and enjoy

Notes:

• You can make two loaves of medium sized loaves with the specified amount of flour (while I made one big loaf)
• How to butter loaf pan: just apply 1/2 tsp butter evenly to the entire inside of the pan