April 9, 2023

Nutty & Nutritious Bread Machine Recipe: Whole Grains, Seeds & Honey

N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Healthy Bread Machine Magic: Nutty Nutritious Bread Recipe

Bread, the “staff of life,” has sustained humanity for millennia, and as our collective focus shifts to health and wellness, we’ve reimagined bread to meet modern nutritional needs. Enter Nutty Nutritious Bread: a delicious, nutrient-packed loaf that celebrates health without sacrificing taste. This blog post is dedicated not only to the recipe itself but to the tradition it honors, the factors driving its popularity, and the health benefits of each ingredient. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s as easy as it is rewarding!

A Slice of History: The Evolution of Nutty Nutritious Bread

Bread has long mirrored the societies that create it. From ancient flatbreads to fluffy, enriched loaves, it has been a vital source of nourishment and innovation. Nutty Nutritious Bread is a modern take on wholesome breads made with whole grains, nuts, and seeds—elements long used in bread-making traditions across cultures. Today, thanks to bread machines, we can recreate this nutritional powerhouse at home without intensive labor, embracing the flavors and benefits of seeds, grains, and natural sweetness.

Why Nutty Nutritious Bread is Popular Today

As more people adopt health-conscious diets, Nutty Nutritious Bread has gained traction as a nutritious alternative to highly processed options. This bread brings whole grains, fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners into one loaf, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based nutrients. With a bread machine, this recipe is accessible to all, offering the joy of fresh-baked bread with minimal effort. It’s no surprise this recipe has become a favorite among those seeking a balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience.

The Kernel of Truth: Ingredients Matter

The magic of Nutty Nutritious Bread lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each chosen for its role in taste, texture, and nutrition. Here’s what makes this loaf a healthful choice:

Whole Wheat Flour: A great source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, whole wheat flour enhances the bread’s nutritional profile and adds a hearty texture.
Unbleached Flour: Preserves more nutrients than bleached varieties and provides a soft crumb without excessive processing.
Wheat Germ: Known for its rich content of vitamin E, folic acid, and essential fatty acids, wheat germ boosts the loaf’s vitamin and mineral profile.
Sunflower and Sesame Seeds: These seeds add crunch, flavor, and essential nutrients, including healthy fats and antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium.
Wheat Bran: High in dietary fiber, wheat bran supports digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Bulgur: Bulgur wheat adds a slight nutty flavor and fiber, contributing to steady energy release.
Honey: A natural sweetener that provides a touch of sweetness without refined sugars, honey also contributes trace vitamins and antioxidants.
Canola Oil: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, canola oil keeps the bread moist without overpowering its flavor.
Yeast: The essential leavening agent, yeast also offers trace nutrients and contributes to the bread’s soft, airy structure.

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Bread Machine: Nutty Nutritious Bread

Experience a loaf that’s as delicious as it is nutritious with this easy bread machine recipe.

Course Breads

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 55

Servings 12 Slices

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

1 ½ cups water
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
3 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup wheat germ
¼ cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons wheat bran
1 tablespoon bulgar
1 teaspoon dry yeast

Instructions

Place water, honey, and canola oil into the bread pan of your bread machine.
Add the whole wheat flour, unbleached flour, salt, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, wheat bran, bulgur, and dry yeast into the bread pan.
Select the basic whole wheat bread cycle for a 2-pound loaf and set the baking time to approximately 55 minutes.
Press start and let the bread machine do the work of kneading, rising, and baking.
Once the bread is finished baking, carefully remove the loaf from the bread pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious, nutty, and nutritious bread!

Notes

Now you can enjoy the convenience and goodness of homemade Nutty Nutritious Bread made in a bread machine. Savor the nutty flavors and high nutritional value of this bread, knowing that you have made a healthier choice for you and your loved ones.

Nutritional Nourishment in Every Slice

Nutty Nutritious Bread is a nutrient-dense choice, perfect for those looking to add fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to their diet. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits:

Fiber for Digestion: Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and bulgur provide ample fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
Healthy Fats for Heart Health: Seeds and canola oil contribute essential fatty acids, supporting heart health and cellular function.
Vitamins for Immunity and Skin Health: Vitamin E from seeds and wheat germ acts as an antioxidant, promoting skin health and immune function. Additionally, B vitamins from whole wheat flour aid energy metabolism.
Minerals for Bone Health: Magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc found in the whole grains and seeds are essential for bone health, immune support, and muscle function.

This bread combines whole foods with a natural, balanced nutrient profile, making it a powerful option for anyone prioritizing wellness in their diet.

Creative Serving Ideas for Nutty Nutritious Bread

Versatile and delicious, Nutty Nutritious Bread can be enjoyed in many ways:

Nut Butter Toast: Spread with almond or peanut butter and top with banana slices for a satisfying breakfast.
Savory Avocado Toast: Mash avocado on a toasted slice, sprinkle with chia seeds or hemp hearts, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt.
Elevated Sandwiches: Use as a base for a turkey and spinach sandwich, or go plant-based with hummus, roasted vegetables, and fresh greens.
Soup Sidekick: Serve alongside soups or stews; the bread’s hearty texture complements savory broths and thick chili.
Sweet Breakfast Treat: Top toasted slices with Greek yogurt, berries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a protein-packed, sweet option.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Nutty Nutritious Loaf

To make this bread a guaranteed success, consider these professional tips:

Ingredient Temperature: Use room-temperature ingredients to help the yeast activate fully, ensuring a good rise.
Layer Carefully: Place wet ingredients first, followed by dry ingredients, with the yeast last to avoid premature contact with salt.
Cooling Tip: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to retain its structure and prevent crumbling.
Substitute Sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey if you’re looking for a vegan or different flavor option.
Add More Texture: For an even crunchier loaf, sprinkle extra seeds on top of the dough just before baking.

Food Safety and Storage Tips

Since this homemade bread lacks preservatives, proper storage is essential. Follow these tips to keep it fresh:

Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool before storing to avoid condensation, which can lead to mold.
Store Airtight: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you’d like to store it for longer, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw individual slices as needed without defrosting the entire loaf.

Homemade bread is best enjoyed within a few days of baking, so be sure to freeze what you won’t consume right away.

Crafting Your Nutty Narrative

Nutty Nutritious Bread is more than just a loaf; it’s a testament to the balance between tradition and modern dietary preferences. Using a bread machine allows anyone to enjoy the benefits of whole grains and seeds without the intensive process of traditional bread-making. With each slice, you’re nourishing your body and embracing the simplicity of wholesome ingredients.

In Conclusion

The Nutty Nutritious Bread machine recipe brings together tradition, taste, and nutrition in one easy-to-make loaf. By choosing this recipe, you’re not only creating a delicious bread but supporting a lifestyle that values health, natural ingredients, and the satisfaction of homemade food. So, dust off your bread machine, gather these wholesome ingredients, and savor the experience of baking a loaf that nourishes both body and soul.