Basic spelt granary loaf – Playground kitchen
I love to experiment with flavors. But as with so many things in life you start experimenting not until you feel comfortable.
This very simple spelt bread recipe should be the solid foundation to build up on.
Already delicate in its simple version and limitless extendable.
Best things happen when you stop eating foods routinely and decide to give them a new twist: Pomegranate or fruity figs in a savory salad, avocado in your porridge or even chocolate tart…
Reset your kitchen guidelines! (By the way, this rule does not only hold for the choice of ingredients but also for toppings.)
Basic spelt granary loaf
500 g spelt flour
1 tbsp sea salt
2 tbsp dry yeast
1 tbsp honey
1 cup of water
1 tbsp olive oil
additional options: walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, beets, sun dried tomatoes, raisins, buckwheat, polenta…
Mix the spelt flour with salt in a large bowl. In a cup whisk together yeast, honey and hand warm water. Add this mixture to the flour and keep kneading until the dough is homogenous and elastic. You might need to add some more water. Cover with a towel and let it rise for about 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 170°F/80°C. Now the fun part begins. Add the olive oil and all the additional ingredients you like and knead again. Put the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let the dough rise again in the oven for 15 more minutes. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 425°F/200°C.
I choose wholemeal flour due to its beneficial composition of fats, protein, minerals, vitamins and secondary plant substances but any other type of flour works as well.
Lately I ran out of spelt flour and ended up with a surprisingly tasty and nutritious gluten free version. I replaced the spelt flour with chickpea flour, linseeds, buckwheat and corn flour – basically everything that was at hand – in equal parts.
I never dared to try a sough dough yet but I feel like this is going to be my next challenge. I’ll keep you informed! :)
Pack your picnic basket and find an oasis of green to catch the first rays of sunshine! Amsterdam is beautiful…
