This Sourdough Wheat Bread recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the tangy flavor of sourdough bread while incorporating the health benefits of whole wheat. Made with a simple list of ingredients, this bread is easy to make and requires just a little patience for the sourdough to develop its distinct flavor. Serve this bread warm with butter or use it to make sandwiches for a hearty and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, honey, and olive oil. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour to the bowl, stirring constantly until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 1-2 hours, or until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Interesting Facts
Sourdough bread is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt around 1,500 BC.
The sourdough fermentation process gives the bread its tangy flavor and improves its digestibility.
Using a sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast adds complexity and depth to the flavor of the bread.