Introduction:
Oatmeal bread with walnuts and sesame is a hearty, nutritious loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish to your meals. The addition of oats enhances the bread’s fiber content, while walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Sesame seeds add an extra layer of flavor, along with their rich, nutty taste. This wholesome bread can be enjoyed on its own or used to make delicious sandwiches.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 cup rolled oats
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
2 tsp active dry yeast
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp sesame seeds (for the dough)
For the Topping:
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
1 tbsp chopped walnuts (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Oats:
In a bowl, combine the rolled oats and warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften.
Activate the Yeast:
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened oats, the yeast mixture, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough:
Add the olive oil and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add the chopped walnuts and sesame seeds and knead them into the dough.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Loaf:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Bread:
Before placing the bread in the oven, sprinkle the top with extra sesame seeds and chopped walnuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Description:
This oatmeal bread is soft, slightly sweet, and nutty, with the perfect balance of flavors from the oats, walnuts, and sesame seeds. It’s rich in fiber and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast or snack. The crunchy sesame topping adds extra texture and a nutty finish, while the walnuts inside the bread provide depth and crunch. The bread’s slightly rustic taste makes it versatile for both savory and sweet toppings, from creamy butter to jam or honey.
Tips:
For a Lighter Texture: You can substitute part of the whole wheat flour with more all-purpose flour for a softer loaf.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag to keep it fresh for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the loaf for longer storage.
Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the amount of sugar or add a few tablespoons of honey to the dough.
Variation: Try adding other nuts such as almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
Oatmeal Raisin Bread: Add ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
Herbed Oatmeal Bread: Mix in a tablespoon of dried rosemary or thyme for an herbal flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter or olive oil with coconut oil, and substitute honey with maple syrup to make the bread completely plant-based.
Oatmeal Bread Rolls: Instead of baking the dough in a loaf pan, shape it into rolls and bake on a baking sheet.
Correction:
If the dough is too sticky after kneading, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this could make the bread dense. A slightly tacky dough is ideal.
If the bread isn’t browning well, increase the oven temperature by 5-10°F (3-5°C) and cover the bread with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
Enjoy!
Slice your freshly baked oatmeal bread with walnuts and sesame, spread on some butter, and enjoy it with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It’s a wholesome, comforting treat perfect for any time of the day!