Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread Recipe

Jamie Oliver's Wholemeal Bread Recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic bread, infusing it with the richness and nutritional benefits of whole grains. This recipe, celebrated for its straightforward approach and wholesome goodness, is perfect for those looking to bake their own bread at home, providing a heartier alternative to white bread with its nutty flavor and dense texture.

Ingredients for the Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread:

• Wholemeal Flour: 500g, for a rich and full flavor.
• Warm Water: 325ml, essential for activating the yeast.
• Fresh Yeast: 15g, or alternatively, 7g of dried yeast to help the bread rise.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the bread's flavor.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon, adding a slight sweetness and aiding the yeast.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for a tender crumb.

Preparation Instructions:

1. Begin by activating the yeast with warm water and honey until frothy, ensuring it's active.
2. Whisk together the wholemeal flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Create a well in the dry ingredients, adding the yeast mixture, remaining honey, and olive oil, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5. After the first rise, knock back the dough, shape it into a loaf, and let it rise again before baking at 200°C (400°F) for 30-35 minutes.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Keep at room temperature in a bread box for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven wrapped in foil, toast slices, or microwave on a damp paper towel for softness.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal per serving
• Protein: Around 8g
• Fat: Approximately 2-3g
• Carbohydrates: About 45-50g
• Fiber: 6-7g

FAQs:

• Instant Yeast: You can substitute fresh yeast with instant yeast, using half the quantity.
• Kneading: Aim for about 10 minutes of kneading for the best texture.
• Variations: Feel free to add seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or herbs for flavor and texture.
• Baking Check: Tap the bottom of the loaf to check if it's baked through; it should sound hollow.

Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread recipe, as detailed on British Recipes Book, underscores the joy of baking with whole grains, offering a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional white bread​​. For another perspective, The Happy Foodie provides insights into wholemeal bread baking, emphasizing the importance of ingredient quality and technique​​.

Jamie Oliver's approach to bread-making demystifies the process, making it accessible for bakers of all levels to create a loaf that's not only satisfying to bake but also to eat. This wholemeal bread is versatile, perfect for everything from a morning toast to the base of a hearty sandwich, making it a staple recipe for any home baker.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, visiting Jamie Oliver's and The Happy Foodie's websites will provide you with all the information you need to bake the perfect loaf of wholemeal bread.