Ingredients
The key to this bread lies in selecting quality, wholesome ingredients. When I bake, I always prefer using freshly milled wheat flour or a good-quality whole wheat blend to enhance the nutty flavor and texture. Honey isn’t just a sweetener here—it’s a nod to those comforting flavors of traditional English baking that feel like a warm hug. A touch of yeast and salt rounds everything out, and the magic happens when the dough slowly develops flavor during its rise.
- 3 cups whole wheat flour (or a blend of whole wheat and bread flour)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for added moisture)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work.
- Add the whole wheat flour, salt, and olive oil (if using) to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms. It will feel a bit tacky—that’s exactly what you want.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. I often find this part therapeutic—there’s something so grounding about working dough with your hands. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but try not to add too much.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size. I like to put mine near a sunny window in San Diego for a natural warmth boost.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased Dutch oven for a more rustic crust.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Before baking, score the top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is tempting to skip, but trust me—waiting makes all the difference in texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
