Sunflower and Flax Seeds Whole Wheat Cast Iron Bread
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, especially when it’s a wholesome loaf packed with nutritious seeds. This Sunflower and Flax Seeds Whole Wheat Cast Iron Bread is not only delightful to eat but also a joy to make, providing the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and nourishment. With a crispy crust and a soft, hearty interior, this bread is your new go-to recipe for everything from sandwiches to breakfast toast.
The best part? It requires simple, everyday ingredients and can easily be made in a cast iron skillet, which gives it that rustic, artisanal feel. Let’s dive in and explore why you’ll want to make this bread over and over again!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This bread is a game changer for several reasons:
– **Nutrient-Rich**: Whole wheat flour, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds add a wealth of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
– **Versatile**: Whether you slather it with butter, pile on your favorite spreads, or use it as a base for sandwiches, this bread adapts to any meal.
– **Simple Ingredients**: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
– **Satisfying Process**: The act of kneading and baking is therapeutic, and the aroma that fills your home is truly irresistible.
What to Buy
For this recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- Whole Wheat Flour – 2 cups for a hearty texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups to balance the density of the whole wheat.
- Salt – 2 teaspoons to enhance flavor.
- Active Dry Yeast – 1 teaspoon to help the bread rise.
- Water – 2 cups, warm to activate the yeast.
- Sunflower Seeds – 1 cup for crunch and nutrition.
- Flax Seeds – ½ cup for added omega-3 fatty acids.
Recommended Tools
Before you start, ensure you have these essential tools:
- Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for baking bread with a crispy crust.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accuracy is key in baking.
- Kitchen Towel – To cover the dough while it rises.
- Spoon or Dough Scraper – For mixing and handling the dough.
Make Sunflower and Flax Seeds Whole Wheat Cast Iron Bread: A Simple Method
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own delicious loaf:
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed and helps prevent the yeast from being overwhelmed.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the sunflower seeds and flax seeds. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a round loaf and place it in the preheated cast iron skillet.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the skillet with the kitchen towel again and let the dough rise for about 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Once the second rise is complete, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to maintain its texture.
Substitutions by Diet
This recipe is flexible and can be adapted for various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Vegan: The recipe is already vegan-friendly, just ensure you use plant-based ingredients.
- Low-Carb: Consider using almond flour or coconut flour in place of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- Nut-Free: Ensure the seeds are sourced from a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.
Testing Timeline
To ensure the best results, follow this timeline:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- First Rise: 1-2 hours
- Shape and Second Rise: 30-45 minutes
- Baking: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling: 10 minutes in the skillet, then to a wire rack to cool completely
Save It for Later
If you want to enjoy this Sunflower and Flax Seeds Whole Wheat Cast Iron Bread later, here are some tips:
Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer bag, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply toast the slices straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack!
Quick Questions
Can I use other seeds instead?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds for different flavors and textures.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is appropriate (not too hot or cold).
Can I add herbs or spices?
Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary or spices such as garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile of your bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A kitchen thermometer can help; it should read about 190°F (88°C) inside.
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Ready, Set, Cook
With this Sunflower and Flax Seeds Whole Wheat Cast Iron Bread, you’re not just baking; you’re creating something wholesome and delicious that your whole family will love. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some bread! Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible flavor that awaits you in every slice. Happy baking!
Sunflower and Flax Seeds Whole Wheat Cast Iron Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the sunflower seeds and flax seeds. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a round loaf and place it in the preheated cast iron skillet.
- Cover the skillet with the kitchen towel again and let the dough rise for about 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the second rise is complete, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
- Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, slice and freeze; toast slices directly from the freezer.
- Feel free to experiment with different seeds for varied flavors.
