Very Good Brown Bread

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: American

A hearty, wholesome brown bread featuring whole wheat, bran, oats, and cornmeal, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, offering nutty flavors and dense texture for health-conscious eaters.

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Ingredients

  • 2 qt. warm water
  • 4 c. whole wheat flour
  • 2 c. bran
  • 2 c. rolled oats
  • 2 c. cornmeal

Instructions

  1. Add enough bleached flour to the mixture to work up the dough.
  2. Shape the dough into five loaves.
  3. Bake each loaf for approximately 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your brown bread, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or molasses for sweetness. If you want a softer texture, substitute half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with different grains by incorporating spelt or rye flour. For a nutty twist, adding chopped nuts or seeds can elevate the taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty brown bread pairs beautifully with soups and stews, making it a perfect accompaniment to dishes like 'Eat All You Want' Lo-Cal Soup. Serve it toasted with a spread of butter or your favorite nut butter for a wholesome breakfast. You can also slice it thin for sandwiches filled with fresh vegetables or deli meats.

Storage & Reheating

Store the brown bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. To reheat, simply thaw the bread at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving to restore freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Very Good Brown Bread contains roughly 1615 calories, with 74g protein, 303g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (194% of the Daily Value), and protein (148% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1572mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).

1615 kcal 81% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 73.8g 100% DV
Total Fat 25.6g 33% DV
Carbs 302.6g 100% DV
Fiber 54.4g 100% DV
Sugar 20.5g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1572.4mg 68% DV
Potassium 2840.2mg 60% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.7mcg 1% DV
Calcium 476.2mg 37% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 substitute whole wheat flour with other flours like spelt or rye for different flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that the hydration levels may vary, so adjust the liquid accordingly to achieve the right dough consistency.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more bleached flour until it reaches a workable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much flour at once, as this can lead to a denser bread. Kneading the dough properly also helps to develop gluten and improve texture.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C) for optimal doneness.

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).

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