Whole Grain Bread

Whole grain bread is a nutritious and satisfying option for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet. This slow cooker recipe allows you to make fresh bread without the need for a bread machine. With a little preparation time, you can enjoy the aroma and taste of homemade whole grain bread that is packed with wholesome ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon (12 g) yeast
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
• 1 cup (235 ml) skim milk, warmed to 115°F (46°C)
• ½ cup (40 g) rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) oil
• 2 tablespoons (40 g) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) egg substitute
• ¼ cup (29 g) wheat germ
• 2¾ cups (330 g) whole wheat flour

PREPARATION:

1. Spray a deep metal or glass bowl or a 1-pound (455 g) coffee can with nonstick baking spray that contains flour.
2. In the bottom of the slow cooker, place ½ cup (120 ml) water and a trivet or crumpled foil. Turn the slow cooker on high to preheat.
3. Dissolve the yeast in warm water.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, rolled oats, oil, honey, egg substitute, and wheat germ.
5. Add the yeast mixture to the mixing bowl and mix well.
6. Gradually incorporate the whole wheat flour into the mixture and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which should take about 5 minutes.
7. Transfer the dough into the prepared bowl or coffee can and loosely cover it with foil.
8. Place the can or bowl in the slow cooker on top of the trivet or crumpled foil.
9. Cover the slow cooker and bake on high for 3 hours.

YIELD:

• 8 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 47 g water
• 243 calories (19% from fat, 16% from protein, 65% from carbs)
• 10 g protein
• 5 g total fat
• 1 g saturated fat
• 1 g monounsaturated fat
• 3 g polyunsaturated fat
• 42 g carbs
• 6 g fiber
• 5 g sugar
• 271 mg phosphorus
• 68 mg calcium
• 3 mg iron
• 36 mg sodium
• 333 mg potassium
• 98 IU vitamin A
• 19 mg ATE vitamin E
• 1 mg vitamin C
• 1 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• Make sure the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm (around 105-115°F) to activate the yeast properly.
• Use a deep metal or glass bowl or a 1-pound coffee can that fits comfortably inside the slow cooker.
• Grease the bowl or coffee can with nonstick baking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
• Preheat the slow cooker with water and a trivet or crumpled foil to create a suitable baking environment for the bread.
• Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic to develop gluten and create a good texture in the bread.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to allow it to set properly.
• Store the leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.

Whole grain bread made in a slow cooker is a wholesome and convenient option for those who want to enjoy homemade bread without a bread machine. This recipe combines nutritious ingredients like whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and wheat germ to create a flavorful and fiber-rich bread.

The process begins by dissolving yeast in warm water to activate it. Then, a mixture of warm milk, rolled oats, oil, honey, egg substitute, and wheat germ is prepared in a mixing bowl. The yeast mixture is added to the bowl, and whole wheat flour is gradually incorporated until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough is transferred to a greased bowl or coffee can, loosely covered with foil, and placed inside the preheated slow cooker with water and a trivet or crumpled foil.

Cooking the bread on high for 3 hours in the slow cooker allows it to rise and bake slowly, resulting in a tender and moist loaf. The slow cooker’s gentle heat ensures that the bread cooks evenly without the risk of burning or drying out.

The whole grain bread produced by this recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whole wheat flour provides dietary fiber, essential minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium, and vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E. Rolled oats contribute to the bread’s texture and add additional fiber, while wheat germ adds a nutty flavor and extra nutritional value.

This homemade whole grain bread can be enjoyed in various ways. It makes excellent sandwiches or toast for breakfast. You can also use it as a base for avocado toast, open-faced sandwiches, or as a side to soups and salads.

By making your own whole grain bread, you have control over the ingredients and can avoid preservatives and unnecessary additives often found in store-bought bread. Plus, the slow cooker method eliminates the need for an oven, making it a convenient option for those without access to traditional baking equipment.

In conclusion, this slow cooker whole grain bread recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy homemade bread with the goodness of whole grains. Experiment with different additions like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to customize the bread to your liking. Embrace the taste, texture, and nutritional benefits of this wholesome bread as you incorporate it into your meals and snacks.