Beginner Spelt Bread

If you are just getting started into the bread baking world, I recommend starting with spelt flour. It is a beautiful ancient grain that is very easy to work with in the kitchen. It acts similarly to traditional modern wheat, but it has a lovely nutty flavor and all the benefits of an ancient grain.

Why should we even use ancients grains? If modern wheat is easy to work with, why bother changing? Ancient grains have not been refined and have therefore not been stripped of their nutrient contents such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. Ancient grains have also been shown to be easier to digest, especially when fermented into sourdough. However, for those of you just getting started, or for those of you looking for a fun new recipe, this beginner spelt bread is the perfect choice!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups spelt flour

• 1 and 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

• 1 and 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 and 1/4 cups water, 100 F

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp raw honey

Directions:

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the flour and the yeast. Mix using the dough hook until just combined. Then add the salt and mix again until just combined.

2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the oil, honey and water. Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture by pouring into the well. Mix using the dough hook until well combined in a soft dough.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 5-10 min until you have developed a firm dough that holds the shape of a ball.

5. Place the dough ball back into the bowl of the stand mixer and cover with a tea towel. Let rise 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and then turn out onto a floured work surface. Knead for 1 minute and then shape into a ball. Place the ball onto a sheet of parchment paper. Cover with a tea towel and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

7. After 45 min, preheat the oven to 450 F with a baking sheet placed inside. On the rack below the baking sheet, place a baking dish.

8. Add 3 slashes to the dough ball with a sharp knife, then transfer to the baking sheet (while on the parchment). Place in the oven. Add 1.5 cups of cold water to the baking dish below, close the oven door. Bake for 15 min.

9. Rotate the baking sheet and lower the oven temperature to 400 F. Then bake an additional 17 min. Enjoy!