Flaxseed Oat Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup cups rolled oats, plus extra for topping
• 1 1/4 cups cups warm water (110°F)
• 1/3 cup cup ground flaxseed
• 2 1/4 teaspoons teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• 3 cups cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cup all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons salt
• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

Method

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil, remove from heat, stir in the rolled oats, and let stand 10 minutes to soften and cool to lukewarm.

   10:00 · Soften oats
2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey, then sprinkle in the yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.

   5:00 · Activate yeast
3. 3

   Stir the softened oats, ground flaxseed, and olive oil into the yeast mixture until combined.

4. 4

   Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

5. 5

   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, adding extra flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky.

   8:00 · Knead dough
6. 6

   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

7. 7

   Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

8. 8

   Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again until it crests just above the rim of the pan, about 40 minutes.

9. 9

   Preheat the oven to 375°F.

10. 10

    Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a handful of rolled oats.

11. 11

    Bake until the loaf is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, 35 to 40 minutes.

    35:00 · Bake loaf
12. 12

    Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and cool completely before slicing, about 1 hour.