Seven Grain Bread

Sink your teeth into the wholesome goodness of Seven-Grain Bread, a hearty and healthy treat that’s packed with the nutritious goodness of oats, millet, cornmeal, quinoa, rice, rye, and bulgur. This chewy bread not only offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures but also provides a substantial dose of nutrition. If you’re missing one of these grains, don’t worry; you can easily substitute it with more bulgur wheat. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying fresh with a spread of your choice, this bread will become a staple in your home. Let’s embark on the journey of making this delightful Seven-Grain Bread.

MAKES 2 LOAVES
PREP 20 MIN
PLUS 11⁄2 HR RISING
COOK 35–40 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup (85g) bulgur wheat (cracked)
• 1/3 cup (50g) cornmeal
• 1/3 cup (50g) millet
• 1/3 cup (50g) quinoa
• 1 3/4 cups (600ml) lukewarm water
• 3 1/4 cups (450g) bread flour
• 1 3/4 cups (250g) whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup (75g) old-fashioned (rolled) oats
• 2/3 cup (75g) rye flakes
• 2 x 1/4oz (7g) envelopes instant yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (50g) cooked brown rice
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1 1/4 cups (250ml) milk
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for the bowl and brushing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Grain Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cracked bulgur wheat, cornmeal, millet, and quinoa.
2. Stir in 1 2/3 cups (400ml) of lukewarm water.
3. Cover the mixture with a kitchen towel and set it aside for 15 minutes.
4. Mix the Bread Dough: In a separate bowl, mix the bread flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, rye flakes, instant yeast, salt, and cooked brown rice.
5. Add the prepared bulgur mixture to the dry ingredients.
6. Heat the honey with the milk until it dissolves, then add this mixture to the bowl.
7. Gradually add the remaining lukewarm water until a sticky dough forms.
8. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
9. Knead and First Rise: Knead the dough on the floured surface for approximately 10 minutes, or until it becomes elastic.
10. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
11. Cover the bowl with oiled plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
12. Shape and Second Rise: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 1 minute.
13. Divide the dough into two equal pieces.
14. Using a floured rolling pin, roll each piece into a rectangle as wide as the loaf pans and twice as long.
15. Fold both ends of the rectangles to the center and pinch the edges to seal.
16. Place each loaf into an oiled and floured 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan.
17. Cover the pans with kitchen towels and let the loaves rise for 30 minutes.
18. Bake the Loaves: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
19. Brush the tops of the loaves with oil.
20. Bake the loaves for 10 minutes.
21. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the base.
22. Let the baked loaves cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy Your Seven-Grain Bread:

Slice into these wholesome Seven-Grain Bread loaves and experience the delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with your favorite spreads, this nutritious bread is sure to become a household favorite. Share the love for homemade, healthy bread with your family and friends.