Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread is a hearty and wholesome delight, featuring a dense, nutritious whole wheat loaf that’s both satisfying and simple to make. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, from a cozy family dinner to an elaborate brunch spread.
In this article, I’ll take you through the process of making Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread from scratch, sharing essential tips and techniques to ensure your baking success.
What is Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread?
Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is a robust, nutritious loaf made with whole wheat flour, offering a fuller flavor and higher fiber content than its white bread counterpart. It’s a cornerstone recipe that celebrates the simplicity and health benefits of using whole grains in baking.
This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in about 2 hours, including both preparation and baking time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Goodness: Packed with the nutrients of whole grains, this bread is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Simple Ingredients: Using readily available ingredients, this recipe is straightforward to follow.
- Versatile: Perfect for any meal of the day, from a hearty breakfast toast to a satisfying sandwich base.
- Foolproof: With clear, step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can achieve perfect results.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
You need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- Wholemeal Flour: 500g, for that rich, nutty flavor and dense texture.
- Warm Water: 325ml, to activate the yeast.
- Fresh Yeast: 15g, or 7g of dried yeast, as the leavening agent.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance flavor.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon, for a touch of sweetness and to feed the yeast.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for a tender crumb.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: Mix the warm water with the yeast and a teaspoon of honey. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes, to ensure it’s active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wholemeal flour and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining honey, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Kneading
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving the bread structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 3: Shaping and Second Rise
- Shape the Loaf: Knock back the dough gently, then shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased bread tin.
- Second Rise: Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise again until nearly doubled about 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) during the last 10 minutes of rising.
Step 4: Baking
- Bake the Bread: Place the bread in the oven, reducing the temperature to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cooling: Remove the bread from the tin and let it cool on a wire rack to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread?
- Savory Spreads: Enhance its earthy flavors with salted butter, avocado, or hummus.
- Soups and Stews: Perfect for dipping into your favorite hearty soups.
- Breakfast Toast: Top with eggs, bacon, or a drizzle of honey for a nutritious start to your day.
- Sandwiches: The robust texture makes it an excellent base for both cold and grilled sandwiches.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Patience in Rising: Allow the dough to fully rise, creating a lighter loaf.
- Steam for Crust: Add a tray of water to the bottom of the oven to create steam, giving your bread a beautiful crust.
- Measurements are Key: Accurate measurements of ingredients ensure consistency and success.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Seeded Wholemeal Bread: Mix in a selection of seeds (such as sunflower, pumpkin, and flaxseed) into the dough for added texture and nutrients.
- Herb-Infused Bread: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano) for a flavorful twist.
- Walnut and Raisin Wholemeal Bread: Add chopped walnuts and raisins during the kneading process for a sweet and nutty flavor.
- Olives and Feta Bread: Fold chopped olives and crumbled feta into the dough for a Mediterranean-inspired loaf.
How do I Store Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Keep the bread in a bread box or wrapped in a clean cloth for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
How do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread Leftovers?
- Oven: Wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
- Toaster: Slice and toast for a quick, crispy rejuvenation.
- Microwave: For a soft texture, microwave slices on a damp paper towel for 10-20 seconds.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
- Protein: Around 8g
- Fat: Approximately 2-3g (varies with added ingredients like nuts or seeds)
- Carbohydrates: About 45-50g
- Fiber: 6-7g
- Sugar: 2-3g (natural sugars from the flour and honey)
- Sodium: Less than 300mg (depends on the amount of salt used)
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast for Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for fresh yeast in Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread recipe. For every gram of fresh yeast, use half a gram of instant yeast. Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients without needing to be activated in warm water, making the process even simpler.
How long should I knead the dough to achieve the best texture?
Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes is ideal for achieving the best texture in Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread. This process develops the gluten in the flour, giving the bread its structure and elasticity. A well-kneaded dough should be smooth, elastic, and not sticky to the touch.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough for variation?
Absolutely! Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread recipe is versatile and welcomes additions. You can incorporate ingredients like seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame), nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to add flavor and texture. Just fold these extras into the dough during the kneading stage to distribute them evenly.
What’s the best way to check if the bread is fully baked?
The best way to check if Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is fully baked is to tap the bottom of the loaf. It should sound hollow when it’s done. Additionally, the internal temperature of the bread should reach approximately 190°F (88°C) when measured with a food thermometer. This ensures that the bread is perfectly cooked inside.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to embracing the joys of baking from scratch. With its wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, it invites you to partake in the timeless tradition of bread-making. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe offers a satisfying experience with a delicious and nutritious result.