No-knead Bran Bread

No-Knead Bran Bread Recipe - Healthy and Wholesome Bread

Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 1 loaf

Introduction

No-knead Bran Bread is a delicious and nutritious bread recipe that is perfect for those looking for a healthy alternative to traditional bread. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy individuals who still want to enjoy homemade bread.

History

No-knead bread recipes have been around for centuries, with the concept of allowing the dough to ferment and rise on its own without the need for kneading originating in ancient times. This particular recipe for No-knead Bran Bread adds a healthy twist by incorporating bran cereal for added fiber and nutrients.

Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat flour
0.5 cup dry milk powder
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp active dry yeast (2 packages)
0.25 cup honey
1.25 cups warm water (110 to 115°F (46°C))
1.5 cups bran or 2 cups bran cereal
1 egg
3 tbsp vegetable oil

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, dry milk powder, and salt.
Combine the yeast, honey, warm water, and bran in the same mixing bowl.
Let the yeast mixture stand for 2 minutes.
Add the egg, oil, and about half of the flour mixture to the bowl.
Beat the mixture until smooth.
Add the remaining flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in bulk, which should take about 1 hour.
Stir down the dough and pour it into a lightly greased 9 by 5 inches loaf pan.
Bake the dough in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 40 minutes.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

Variations

Add nuts or seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Mix in dried fruits or spices for a sweet or savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use warm water (110 to 115°F) when activating the yeast to ensure that it properly activates and helps the bread rise.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to help speed up the fermentation process and achieve a light and airy texture.

- Use a loaf pan to shape the bread and ensure that it bakes evenly and maintains its shape.

Serving Suggestions

No-knead Bran Bread is delicious when served warm with a spread of butter or jam. It also pairs well with soups, salads, or as a side to your favorite main dish.

Cooking Techniques

Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size before baking.

- Bake the bread in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

- Use almond milk powder instead of dairy milk powder for a dairy-free option.

- Replace vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for No-knead Bran Bread ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before baking for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs or fruits for a beautiful presentation. You can also toast the slices and serve them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pairing Recommendations

No-knead Bran Bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and sandwiches. It also goes well with cheese, charcuterie, and dips for a delicious appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toast the slices in a toaster or oven until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of No-knead Bran Bread contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for those looking to watch their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of No-knead Bran Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This bread recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving, with the majority of the fat coming from the vegetable oil used in the dough.

Proteins

With 6 grams of protein per serving, this No-knead Bran Bread recipe provides a decent amount of protein to help support muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Bran cereal is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, milk, and eggs, so it may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this No-knead Bran Bread recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking to incorporate more fiber and nutrients into their diet. It is relatively low in calories and provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

No-knead Bran Bread is a simple and nutritious bread recipe that is perfect for those looking to enjoy homemade bread without the hassle of kneading. With a hearty texture and delicious flavor, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for No-Knead Bran Bread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals and treats that left everyone in awe of her culinary skills. I loved spending time with her, watching and learning as she worked her magic with ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table flipping through an old cookbook, I stumbled upon this particular recipe for No-Knead Bran Bread. The simplicity of the instructions intrigued me, as did the promise of a hearty and wholesome loaf of bread without the need for any tedious kneading. I immediately knew that I had to give it a try.

I showed the recipe to my grandmother, who smiled and nodded in approval. She recognized it as a classic recipe that had been in our family for many years. She told me stories of how she had learned to make this bread from her own grandmother, and how it had been a staple in our family for generations. I was thrilled to be continuing this tradition and eager to learn how to make the bread myself.

My grandmother patiently guided me through the steps, showing me how to mix the ingredients together, let the dough rise, and bake it to perfection. The smell of the bread baking in the oven was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with a warm and comforting aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation.

When the bread was finally done, I eagerly sliced into it and took my first bite. The texture was dense and chewy, with a slightly nutty flavor from the bran. It was unlike any bread I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to make No-Knead Bran Bread for my family and friends, always receiving glowing reviews and requests for the recipe. I made a few tweaks here and there, adding in different grains and seeds to give the bread extra flavor and nutrition. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my heritage, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

As the years went by, I collected many more recipes from various places and people, each one adding to my culinary repertoire and enriching my love for cooking. But No-Knead Bran Bread remained a special recipe for me, a reminder of where I came from and the traditions that shaped me into the cook I am today.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they too will feel the same excitement and joy that I did when I first discovered it. I hope that they will carry on the tradition of making this bread, sharing it with their own families and creating new memories around the kitchen table.

Cooking is not just about following a recipe; it's about creating something with love and care, connecting to the past while building a future. And for me, No-Knead Bran Bread will always be a symbol of that connection, a reminder of the love and memories that are baked into every loaf.