Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread except of course eating said fresh bread. This whole wheat loaf is a great addition to your baking regime.
What you will need for the dough:
1 1/2 cups warm water
3/4 tsp yeast
2 tbsps brown sugar
2 tsps salt
1 tbsp ground flax
2 cups strong whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cups white flour
Additional things you will need:
1 cup hot water
Flour to roll and sprinkle bread with
1 tsp oil to grease bowl
In a large bowl combine your yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes–your yeast should start expanding and potentially be bubbling a bit. Add in your salt, flax, and flours. Mix with a spoon or place in a bread machine and use the dough setting. If you are mixing by hand combine the ingredients until a ball has formed. Remove the ball and coat the bowl with oil. Place the ball back in the greased bowl, cover with a cloth and place in the fridge for 2 hours.
Remove the dough from the fridge and shape. Place in a loaf tin or on a baking sheet. Slash the top three times, sprinkle with a bit of flour and let rest again for 45 minutes. Near the end of the second resting period, preheat your oven to 425°F or if your oven is convection 220°C (200°C with fan).
Before placing your bread in the oven insert a baking sheet or metal pan on the lowest rack (don’t use glass or ceramic). Prepare a cup of hot water. Place your bread on the middle rack and pour your hot water into the baking sheet on the bottom rack. It will sizzle and steam so be prepared to pour and shut the door speedily.
Bake your bread for 30 minutes without opening your oven door. Check the bread by flicking the bottom of the loaf. If it makes a hollow noise it has baked-through.