This recipe focuses on using alternative flours and ingredients known for their heart-healthy benefits and suitability for weight management. It's gluten-free, GMO-free, uses natural sweeteners, and is designed to be lower in carbohydrates and fat compared to traditional bread recipes.
Cuisine Type: International (with influences from various gluten-free baking techniques)
Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, Natural Sugar, Low-Carb, Low-Fat
Yields: 1 Loaf (approximately 12 slices)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 60-90 minutes (or longer, depending on temperature)
Bake Time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients:
* Dry Ingredients:
* 1 ½ cups Almond Flour (blanched, finely ground)
* ½ cup Coconut Flour
* ¼ cup Flaxseed Meal (ground flaxseed)
* 2 tbsp Psyllium Husk Powder (not whole husks)
* 1 tbsp Chia Seeds
* 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder (aluminum-free)
* ½ tsp Baking Soda
* ½ tsp Sea Salt
* Optional: 1 tsp mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) for added flavor
* Wet Ingredients:
* 3 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or other plant-based milk)
* 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
* 1 tbsp Natural Sweetener (e.g., Erythritol, Stevia, or Monk Fruit) - adjust to taste
* 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
* Optional Toppings:
* Sesame Seeds
* Pumpkin Seeds
* Sunflower Seeds
Equipment:
* Large Mixing Bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Loaf Pan (8.5 x 4.5 inch)
* Parchment Paper
* Wire Rack
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, flaxseed meal, psyllium husk powder, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and optional herbs. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, natural sweetener, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
1. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
2. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread. The batter will be quite thick.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
1. Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the psyllium husk powder and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, which will help bind the ingredients and improve the bread's texture. The batter will thicken considerably during this time.
Step 6: Transfer to Loaf Pan and Add Toppings
1. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. If desired, sprinkle the top of the loaf with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
1. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
1. Remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the bread out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Once completely cooled, slice the bread with a serrated knife.
Cooking Times:
* Oven Preheat: 10-15 minutes
* Bake Time: 45-55 minutes
* Cooling in Pan: 10 minutes
* Cooling on Rack: 1-2 hours (or until completely cool)
Serving Suggestions:
* Breakfast: Toast a slice and top with avocado, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
* Lunch: Use it to make a sandwich with lean protein (turkey, chicken) and plenty of vegetables.
* Snack: Spread with almond butter or a sugar-free jam.
* Dinner: Serve alongside a hearty soup or salad.
* Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage; just thaw before toasting or using in sandwiches.
Tips and Considerations:
* Psyllium Husk Powder: This ingredient is crucial for binding the gluten-free flours and creating a bread-like texture. Do not substitute with whole psyllium husks.
* Sweetener Adjustment: Adjust the amount of natural sweetener to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
* Texture: Gluten-free bread often has a slightly different texture than traditional bread. This recipe aims to minimize this difference, but expect a slightly denser and more crumbly texture.
* Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on the bread while baking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Adding Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) or seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) to the batter for added texture and nutritional value.
* Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your bread. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning are all great options.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per slice):
* Calories: 120-150
* Fat: 8-10g
* Net Carbs: 3-5g (Total Carbs minus Fiber)
* Protein: 5-7g
Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade bread!
Comments
Post a Comment