Oat Bread

Oat Bread is a wholesome and flavorful option that incorporates the goodness of oats into a delicious loaf. The oat sourdough starter adds depth of flavor and enhances the texture of the bread. Coating the loaves with rolled oats adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

This recipe yields three loaves, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or storing for future enjoyment. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty breakfast option, as part of a sandwich, or alongside soups and stews, Oat Bread is a versatile choice that will surely satisfy.

Makes 3 loaves

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 batch of oat sourdough starter
• ½ cup (125 ml) water, room temperature
• ½ tbsp (10 g) salt
• 2 tsp (15 g) honey
• Approx. 2½ cups (300 g) wheat flour
• Rolled oats (for coating)

OAT SOURDOUGH:

• 1 cup (200 ml) rolled oats
• ¼ cup (50 ml) water, room temperature
• 2 apples, peeled and grated

INSTRUCTIONS:

OAT SOURDOUGH:

1. Mix the oats in a blender until they reach a consistency similar to flour. Combine the ingredients and let stand for 2–4 days in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in the mornings and evenings.
2. The starter is ready when the mixture starts to bubble. From this point on, all you have to do is “feed” the dough so that it retains its flavor and ability to ferment. If you leave the sourdough in the refrigerator, you should feed it once a week with ½ cup (100 ml) water and 1 cup (100 g) oat flour. If you keep the sourdough at room temperature, it should be fed every day, in the same manner. The consistency should resemble thick porridge.
3. If you have sourdough left over, you can freeze it in containers that hold half a cup.

BREAD:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat sourdough starter, water, salt, honey, and wheat flour. Mix all the ingredients together until a dough forms.
2. Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise for 2–3 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap during the rising process.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet.
5. Shape the risen dough into three round loaves. You can divide the dough equally into three portions and shape each portion into a round shape.
6. Brush the surface of each loaf with water. Then, dip the loaves into rolled oats, coating them with the oats.
7. Place the shaped loaves on the greased baking sheet. Allow the loaves to rise for another 45 minutes. This will give them a chance to further proof and increase in size.
8. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Once baked, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy the comforting taste and texture of Oat Bread as you savor each slice. Let it become a staple in your baking repertoire, perfect for any occasion or simply for indulging in a delicious homemade treat.