Healthy Oatmeal Bread Recipe

Healthy Oatmeal Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oats:
   • Place the rolled oats in a large bowl.
   • Pour the boiling water over the oats and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes until the oats soften and the mixture cools to lukewarm.
2. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
   • Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Mix the Dough:
   • To the oats mixture, add the honey (or maple syrup), olive oil (or melted coconut oil), and salt. Mix well.
   • Stir in the activated yeast.
   • Gradually add the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • When the dough becomes too thick to stir, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes).
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
   • Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
   • Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the loaf with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
   • Turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your healthy oatmeal bread as is, or with your favorite spreads and toppings!