Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel Bread is a hearty, nutritious loaf made from sprouted grains and beans, offering a wholesome flavor and dense texture suitable for health-conscious and whole grain lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup honey ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 packages yeast ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups wheat berries ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Spelt flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup millet ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry green lentils ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Great Northern dry beans ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, honey, olive oil, and yeast.
- Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes until yeast activates.
- Mix all beans, millet, wheat berries, barley, and lentils together.
- Grind the mixture in a flour mill until finely ground.
- Add the milled flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Stir until well combined, about 10 minutes.
- The dough will have a batter-like consistency.
- Pour the batter into two greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the wheat berries with whole wheat flour. If you don't have all the beans, you can use canned beans—just rinse and drain them before adding. Make sure your water temperature is lukewarm to properly activate the yeast. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet.
Serving Suggestions
Ezekiel bread is delicious served warm with a spread of homemade hummus or avocado. Pair it with soups or salads for a nutritious meal, or use it for sandwiches, making it an excellent choice for Vegans. For a sweet treat, try it with a layer of peanut butter and banana or as a base for Aunt Mary'S Spoon Burgers (Sloppy Joes).
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store Ezekiel bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, toast slices directly from the freezer or warm the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ezekiel Bread contains roughly 472 calories, with 24g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours. If you prefer a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor slightly.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Let it cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative. Adjust the amount to your taste, as these sweeteners may be sweeter or less sweet than honey.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).