Homemade Spelled Bread Recipe

Ever find yourself needing a little comfort in the form of freshly-baked bread? Well, today we’re diving into the world of homemade spelt bread—a totally zen baking adventure that fills your home with cozy vibes and rewards you with a loaf that’s got heart and soul. Trust me, once you get your hands floury and feel the dough coming to life, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.

I enjoy preparing homemade spelled bread because it is a healthier alternative. This bread, with the nutty essence of spelled flour, the delightfully crispy crust, and the chewy interior, is everything an outstanding bread should be.

Add in the fact that it is a nutritious powerhouse and (with the exception of a little honey and some sea salt) is made from straight-up whole foods, and I’m hard-pressed to think of a better baked good to enjoy.

Homemade Spelled Bread Recipe Ingredients

• Spelt Flour: A whole grain rich in fiber and protein, with a nutty flavor.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor and strengthens dough structure.
• Instant Yeast: Quick-acting leavening agent that makes bread rise nicely.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with browning of the crust.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, moisture, and a tender crumb.

Homemade Spelled Bread Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 500g spelled flour
• 10g sea salt
• 7g instant yeast
• 300ml lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: seeds or nuts for topping

How to Make this Homemade Spelled Bread Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix very well the spelled flour, the sea salt, and the instant yeast.

2. In another small bowl, blend the warm water, honey, and olive oil until the honey is totally dissolved.

3. Pour the liquid mixture into a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

4. Combine the ingredients until they form a somewhat lumpy dough.

5. Move the dough to a surface that has been lightly dusted with flour. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until the texture is smooth and elastic.

6. Put the dough that has been kneaded into a bowl that has been lightly oiled, cover it with a damp cloth, and place it in a warm locale so it can rise for 1-2 hours until it is doubled in size.

7. Work the dough to release air and knead it quickly, then mold it into a loaf shape.

8. Put the formed dough in a greased loaf pan, if you have one. If you like, you can press some seeds or nuts into the top of the loaf, but don’t expect to see much in the way of crust. Either way, this is a pretty straightforward operation.

9. Loosely cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise a second time for about 30 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the pan’s edge.

10. Set your oven to 220°C (428°F) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it has taken on a golden-brown hue and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom of the loaf.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Homemade Spelled Bread Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small bowl
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Clean surface for kneading
6. Flour sifter (optional, for dusting surface)
7. Damp cloth or kitchen towel
8. Loaf pan
9. Plastic wrap (optional)
10. Oven
11. Wire rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute spelled flour with another type of flour?A: Yes, you can use whole wheat or all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
• Q: Do I need to proof the instant yeast before mixing it with other ingredients?A: No, instant yeast can be thrown right in with the dry ingredients without any proofing.
• Q: Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?A: Yes, a bread machine can be used, but you must follow the machine’s instructions for ingredient addition.
• Q: How do I know when my dough has been kneaded enough?A: The dough must be smooth and elastic. It must pass the windowpane test—that is, a small piece must be stretchable thin without breaking.
• Q: What is the best way to store homemade spelled bread?A. Keep it in a sealed container at room temperature for a couple of days, or keep it frozen for when you need some later.
• Q: Can I add other ingredients for flavor?A: Herbs, spices, and dried fruits can be added to enhance the bread’s flavor.

Homemade Spelled Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For spelled flour: Use whole wheat flour or a flour blend that is gluten-free.
For sea salt: Use kosher salt or table salt in the same amount.
For instant yeast: Use active dry yeast with a slight increase in the amount, around 8-9g.
For honey: Replace with maple syrup or agave nectar in the same amount.
When it comes to olive oil: Substitute vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for olive oil.

Pro Tips

1. Hydration Management If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, sprinkle in a bit more spelled flour gradually. Conversely, if the dough feels too dry, adding a teaspoon of water can help achieve the right consistency.

2. Room Temperature Rise To ensure optimal rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is too cold, you can preheat the oven at its lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside with the door slightly ajar.

3. Enhancing Flavor For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a pre-ferment. Mix a small portion of the flour, water, and yeast together and let it sit overnight before adding it to the main dough mixture.

4. Steam in the Oven To achieve a better crust, place a small oven-safe dish with water at the bottom of the oven while baking. The steam will help create a crisper crust on your bread.

5. Cutting the Loaf Ensure the bread has cooled completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and prevents the bread from becoming gummy inside. Use a serrated bread knife for clean slices.