Accompanying article: Spelt and Kamut
Yield: Two 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaves
Spelt bread has a pleasing, nutty flavor and a substantial texture. It makes great breakfast toast, canapés and sandwiches. For a lighter flavor and texture, use up to 50% white spelt flour.
Note: it is important that you don’t over-knead spelt dough.
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (105° to 110° F)
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons sea salt
6 cups spelt flour (use any combination of whole or white spelt)
Combine the yeast, water and honey in a large warm bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes or until the yeast softens. Stir in the butter and salt and 3 cups of the flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Add the remaining flour in increments until the dough becomes too stiff to stir, then place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 6 minutes, adding any remaining flour as necessary, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Do not overknead.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
Grease two 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pans. Punch the dough down to deflate it and divide it in half. Form each half into a smooth loaf and place in a prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour or until the dough has risen to the top of the pans.
Preheat the oven to 350° F.
Uncover the risen loaves. Place the pans on a heavy baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until the tops are light brown and crusty. Remove from the oven and tap out of the pan into the baking sheet. Turn the oven off and return the breads to the oven to crisp for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
May you be well nourished,
Rebecca Wood
I do trust all the ideas you have introduced
on your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too short for beginners. May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time?
Thanks for the post.
I’m lactose-intolerant. Can I substitute canola oil for butter and if so, the same amount, less or more? Thanks.
Please, please, please don’t use canola oil. It’s toxic. Read my articles on oil for the details. Try substituting coconut or palm oil or going without the oil all together.
Can this bread be made in a bread making machine? I have RA and kneading would be painful.
Yes, you can make spelt bread in a bread machine. And are you aware that spelt also contains gluten? Therefore,most people with RA, inflammation, immune problems and/or digestive issues do better without it. I’ve got all the details in my Clean and Free ebook.
My spelt bread started turning white. I put it in the refridgerator. Is the white mold and can I still eat it?
just found ur site , sounds lovely. i would love 2make a 1 lb or a 2 lb loaf as i live alone. can u help me please with a small recipe
I do not have honey today. Is there a substitute?
The bread is great with or without the honey. Whether it’s adding honey to bread or a cup of tea, it is optional in both cases. So make it without honey or substitute sugar or molasses.