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If you like the dark, dense breads of Europe, this one’s for you. It is loaded with protein and nutrients like calcium and thiamine (good for the nervous and cardiovascular systems.) The nutritional superhero in this bread, however, is fiber and human bodies thrive on ample amounts of it. See Anna Herby’s great blog on fiber to learn why and how fiber is such a good friend to us.
This bread is really versatile when it come to the many ways you can enjoy it and the foods you can pair it with. Try these and see which is your favorite:
- With cheeses, fruit and sliced meats
- Toast and spread with your fave nut butter or yogurt cheese
- As a platform for hummus and other spreads
- Alongside soups and salads
EURO OAT BREAD
2 cups flour – your choice of any combo. Oat and buckwheat make for a nice gluten-free option. Rye is also good.
1 cup oat bran
1 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp. non-aluminum baking powder (link to making your own)
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups buttermilk
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oat bran, oats and baking powder. Stir in the raisins.
Pour in the buttermilk and use a large spatula or bread paddle to combine well. If necessary, flour your hands and finish mixing by hand.
Shape the dough into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set the loaf on it. Use a sharp knife to slash an X about 1/4″ deep across the top of the loaf. If any raisins are peeking out, poke them into the dough with your finger so they don’t burn.
Sprinkle loaf with a bit of flour. Bake at 425 degrees for about 45 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when the bottom is thumped. Let cool completely before slicing. Wrap in foil then place in plastic bag and store in refrigerator. This bread keeps for a long while.
Variations:
Add some finely grated orange peel.
Add 1 tsp. of cinnamon with dry ingredients.
Add chopped walnuts.
Substitute a dried fruit medley or craisins for raisins.
Make it savory by adding 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning
Play around with this yummy staple. It may not be a high rising loaf, but it tops the charts with its healthfulness and broad range of uses. Come up with your own ways to eat it and share them with us in the comments!
