Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel Bread is a nutritious, hearty loaf that stands out with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe offers a delightful blend of sprouted grains and legumes, resulting in a satisfying texture that is both chewy and fluffy. Imagine the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen as you bake this bread; it’s sure to make your mouth water! This step-by-step bread-making process is not just easy but rewarding, making it worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ezekiel Bread is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The process of sprouting grains enhances their nutritional profile, making them easier to digest and increasing their vitamin content. This recipe is perfect for families who want to enjoy wholesome, homemade bread without all the preservatives found in store-bought varieties. Additionally, it requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of cooking skill.
Ingredients for Ezekiel Bread
To make Ezekiel Bread, gather the following ingredients that boast earthy flavors and wholesome goodness:
- 1 cup sprouted wheat – full of fiber and vitamins, providing a nutty taste.
- 1 cup sprouted barley – adds a rich, malty flavor and beneficial enzymes.
- 1 cup sprouted lentils – enhances protein content, bringing a hearty texture.
- 1 cup sprouted spelt – offers a slightly sweet flavor and a chewy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon salt – balances flavors while enhancing the bread’s overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – adds natural sweetness, enriching the loaf.
- 1 cup water – the main liquid for hydration.
- 2 tablespoons yeast – helps the bread rise, contributing to its fluffy structure.
Step-by-Step Directions for Ezekiel Bread
- In a large bowl, combine the sprouted grains and legumes, ensuring they are evenly mixed for a balanced flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and yeast. Allow it to sit until foamy, usually about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Gently pour the foamy yeast mixture into the grain mixture. Stir thoroughly until combined, ensuring no dry patches remain.
- Add the salt to the mixture and continue mixing until a cohesive dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises, preparing it for baking.
- Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan, gently tucking the ends underneath.
- Cover and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing it to puff up beautifully.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- Chef’s Secrets: If you want an extra boost of flavor, consider adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin to the dough. They can add a delightful crunch.
- Optional Extras: Incorporate herbs or spices such as rosemary or garlic powder for a unique twist on this classic bread.
- Kneading Tip: To avoid a sticky mess, lightly flour your hands and the surface while kneading.
- Rise Time: The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Ezekiel Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it fresh with a spread of butter or your favorite nut butter for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, pair it with hearty soups or salads for a nutritious meal. You can also enjoy it toasted with avocado, sunny-side-up eggs, or layered with vegetables, making for a fulfilling sandwich.
Nutritional Information
Ezekiel Bread is not only heartwarming but also nourishing. It’s rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. With the combination of sprouted grains and lentils, you’ll get a nutritional powerhouse in every slice. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate healthier options into their diet, catering nicely to anyone seeking a wholesome indulgence.
Storing Tips & Variations for Ezekiel Bread
To keep your Ezekiel Bread fresh, slice and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the whole loaf or individual slices. To reheat, pop the slices in the toaster or briefly warm them in the oven.
For variations, experiment with other sprouted grains or beans you enjoy. Mix different combinations to discover new flavors that suit your palate. Alternatively, you can make Ezekiel rolls or flatbreads using the same dough for a fun twist on the original recipe.
Conclusion for Ezekiel Bread
Eager to create your own batch of Ezekiel Bread? This recipe is straightforward, nourishing, and incredibly rewarding. The delightful aroma and taste will not only satisfy your cravings but also provide a wholesome boost to your diet. Don’t wait any longer; head to your kitchen and start baking this fantastic bread right away!
FAQs
1. Can I use un-sprouted grains instead of sprouted grains?
While you can use un-sprouted grains, sprouted grains are easier to digest and contain a higher nutritional value. So, for the best results, try to use sprouted grains.
2. How can I make my Ezekiel Bread sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your taste, and consider adding dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
3. Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, allowing the dough to rise twice helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a lighter, airier bread.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting with gluten-free grains, such as quinoa or buckwheat. However, the texture and flavor may differ from traditional Ezekiel Bread.
5. How do I achieve the best crust on my bread?
To achieve a crustier exterior, place a shallow pan filled with water in the oven while baking. The steam will create a crispy crust on your loaf.
Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel Bread is a nutritious, hearty loaf made from sprouted grains and legumes, offering a chewy and fluffy texture with a delightful nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup sprouted wheat
- 1 cup sprouted barley
- 1 cup sprouted lentils
- 1 cup sprouted spelt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons yeast
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sprouted grains and legumes, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, combine warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and yeast. Allow it to sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Gently pour the foamy yeast mixture into the grain mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Add salt and mix until a cohesive dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the risen dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding seeds or herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg






