Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine your warm water and honey. Give it a gentle stir to dissolve the honey completely. Next, sprinkle the instant yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts getting frothy. This step is crucial; it means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
- Once your yeast is bubbly, add in the bread flour, oats, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix it with a spatula or your hands until everything is just combined. You don't need to overwork the dough; it will look shaggy and sticky. That's a good sign!
Step 3: First Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise at room temperature for about 12-18 hours. Overnight works beautifully. This long rise time enhances the flavor and texture. You’ll know it's ready when the dough has doubled and bubbles appear on the surface.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Gently turn the dough out onto the floured surface. With floured hands, grab the edges and fold them towards the center. Do this a few times to form a rough ball. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. If you’re using a Dutch oven, sprinkle some cornmeal on the bottom to prevent sticking. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise again for about 1-2 hours, until it doubles in size.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat up. This ensures a lovely crust on your bread.
Step 7: Bake
- Carefully remove the Dutch oven once preheated. Remove the lid and gently lift the dough with the parchment paper and place it inside. Pop the lid back on and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid to allow the bread to brown. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes until it’s a rich golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Once baked, take the Dutch oven out of the oven. Carefully lift the bread out using the parchment paper. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. It’s tempting, but slicing too early can make the inside gummy.
Nutrition
Notes
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your bread will taste.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your water isn’t too hot or too cold; the right temperature activates the yeast properly.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Give your dough enough time to rise. Patience is key in bread-making!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Try including nuts, dried fruits, or spices to personalize your bread.
Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when it’s done baking.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your water isn’t too hot or too cold; the right temperature activates the yeast properly.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Give your dough enough time to rise. Patience is key in bread-making!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Try including nuts, dried fruits, or spices to personalize your bread.
Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when it’s done baking.