Fresh Milled Bread Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate guide to baking fresh milled bread. If you’re tired of the bland, commercial bread and want to experience the true essence of homemade bread, you’ve come to the right place. Fresh milled bread, made from grains ground right before baking, brings an unparalleled depth of flavor and nutrition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from selecting your grains to baking the perfect loaf. Get ready to elevate your bread-making game and enjoy the full spectrum of taste and health benefits that come with fresh milled flour.

Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s cover the basics. You’ll need fresh grains, a grain mill, a good-quality mixer, and a reliable oven. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Whole Grains: Choose your favorite grains. Common options include wheat, rye, or spelt. For this guide, we’ll use hard red wheat.
• Grain Mill: Invest in a high-quality mill that can grind grains to your desired texture.
• Mixing Bowl: Preferably large enough to handle the dough.
• Stand Mixer: With a dough hook attachment, if possible.
• Oven: Ensure it’s preheated to the correct temperature.
• Baking Pan: For shaping your bread.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.

Step 1: Milling the Grain
Start by milling your grains. For the best results, mill your wheat just before baking to retain the maximum nutrients and flavor. Adjust your mill to your preferred coarseness. Generally, a fine texture works best for soft bread.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
Combine the freshly milled flour with water, yeast, and salt. The ratio is crucial. Here’s a simple formula:

• 500g Freshly Milled Flour
• 300ml Warm Water
• 10g Salt
• 7g Active Dry Yeast

Mix the yeast with warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough on low speed for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, this might take 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: First Rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This process is known as the first rise or bulk fermentation.

Step 4: Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it into your prepared baking pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is known as the second rise or proofing.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 6: Cooling
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Tips and Tricks

• Grain Quality: The better the grain, the better the bread. Always use high-quality, fresh grains.
• Hydration: Adjust water quantity based on the flour’s absorption rate.
• Temperature: Make sure your water isn’t too hot or too cold when activating the yeast.
• Storage: Store your bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain its freshness.

Nutritional Benefits
Fresh milled bread is packed with nutrients that are often lost in commercially processed bread. It contains higher levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the natural oils in the grains are preserved, contributing to better flavor and texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Dense Bread: This can be due to under-kneading or too little yeast. Ensure your dough is well-kneaded and that the yeast is fresh.
2. Crumbly Texture: Often caused by too much flour or insufficient hydration. Adjust water and flour amounts carefully.
3. Over-Browning: If the crust browns too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly and cover the bread with foil.

Conclusion
Baking fresh milled bread can seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look back. Happy baking!