Here’s a rustic and hearty Coarse Bread recipe. This type of bread is made with whole grains and has a dense, hearty texture, perfect for those who love a more rustic loaf.
Coarse Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rye flour (or any other coarse flour like spelt or barley)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey or molasses
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp sugar (to activate the yeast)
- Optional: Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame) for topping or adding inside the dough
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rye flour, all-purpose flour, oats (if using), and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Once the yeast is activated, add the honey (or molasses) and olive oil (or butter) to the yeast mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until it forms a sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour if needed, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic but still slightly coarse in texture. You can also mix in seeds at this stage if you like.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan or form a free-standing round loaf on a baking sheet. You can sprinkle seeds on top if desired.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it’s slightly puffed up.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.
- Bake:
- Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and is golden brown on top.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Coarse bread pairs beautifully with butter, cheese, or hearty soups and stews.
- For added flavor, you can mix in herbs or dried fruits like raisins.
Enjoy your wholesome, homemade coarse bread!