Quick Whole Wheat Bread(Makes 1 Loaf)
A wholesome, hearty whole wheat bread with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, perfect for healthy sandwiches or toast, suitable for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water.
- Stir in the yeast and leave in a warm place for 10 to 15 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the whole-wheat flour with the salt and rub in the margarine.
- Beat the yeast mixture into the flour to form a dough.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until firm and elastic.
- Place the dough in a bowl.
- Cover with lightly oiled polythene and leave to rise until double in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes until firm.
- Shape the dough to fit a lightly greased 1-pound loaf pan.
- Cover with oiled polythene and leave in a warm place for about 45 minutes until the dough is just rounded over the top of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake the loaf for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
- Cool on a wire tray.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter bread texture, try sifting the whole-wheat flour before mixing. You can substitute honey for sugar and use olive oil instead of margarine for a richer flavor. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a tablespoon of honey to the yeast mixture. Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Serving Suggestions
This whole wheat bread pairs wonderfully with savory spreads like hummus or avocado. Serve it alongside a bowl of soup or with a hearty salad for a satisfying meal. It's also delicious toasted with butter or topped with Simple Strawberry Preserves for a sweet breakfast treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Whole Wheat Bread(Makes 1 Loaf) contains roughly 405 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1116mg per serving (49% 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 all-purpose flour instead of whole-wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor will differ. Whole-wheat flour provides a denser and nuttier taste, while all-purpose flour will yield a lighter loaf. If substituting, you might want to reduce the liquid slightly as all-purpose flour absorbs less moisture.
How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
A good indicator that your bread is done is when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist. You can also mix in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added texture and nutrition. Just be sure not to overcrowd the dough with too many additions.
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).