In my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I discovered the joy of baking my own bread. There’s something therapeutic about kneading dough and filling your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread. This Whole Grain Vienna Bread, enriched with chia seeds, not only captures that delightful essence but also offers nutritional benefits that make it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Chia seeds are a fantastic superfood, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. By incorporating them into this traditional Vienna bread recipe, I’ve created a delicious loaf that’s both hearty and nourishing. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps to create this beautiful bread!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: sesame seeds for topping

Instructions

    <li In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

    <li In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, chia seeds, and sea salt. Mix well to distribute the chia seeds evenly.

    <li Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

    <li Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

    <li Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

    <li Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes.

    <li Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the loaf before baking.

    <li Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

    <li Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy this delicious Whole Grain Vienna Bread slathered with your favorite nut butter, topped with fresh avocado, or simply savored on its own. Each slice is a testament to the beauty of wholesome ingredients, and I hope it brings warmth and joy to your table just as it did to mine.