Looking for perfectly herbed bread? You might love this Mediterranean-flavored option. Here’s an easy-to-bake rosemary and thyme whole grain bread recipe.
I love weekends because they’re the only time I get to stay longer in the kitchen experimenting with different unusual recipes. Since starting this healthy eating journey, I’ve tried several dishes but have yet to try a 100% herbal bread recipe.
I’ve used rosemary and thyme in various meat and chicken recipes, and I can’t get enough of these ancient Mediterranean herbs. Last weekend, I wanted to enjoy healthy homemade bread and decided a rosemary and thyme whole-grain bread would be perfect.
As usual, today’s recipe combines 100% organic ingredients and aromatic herbs to add to your healthy eating goals. Enjoy!
Why Bake Rosemary and Thyme Whole Grain Bread?
Image: Freepik
If you’ve been trying to adopt a healthier diet, you know quitting wheat isn’t as easy as it seems. Those muffins and cookies can be so tempting I’ve personally cheated once or twice.
However, clean eating doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch baked foods, particularly from wheat. Baking a gluten-free whole grain bread is a healthier choice, especially if you infuse some organic herbs and spices to elevate the flavor.
For the passionate cook and homemade food lovers, there’s nothing more fulfilling than playing with different recipes to create something unusually delicious yet healthy.
It’s even more satisfying to use earthy, savory herbs like rosemary and thyme to create a homemade staple that is bread.
I find it quite creative and rewarding to transform a humble loaf into a healthier alternative to store-bought options laden with additives. Moreover, whole grains enrich it with vital nutrients and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Whether for yourself or a party snack, there are several health reasons why you should try baking this organic bread. Let’s see:
1. Whole Wheat Flour
Unrefined wheat flour that hasn’t passed through rigorous processing retains its natural nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps control blood sugar levels and aids in digestive health.
Using this wholesome ingredient in your fresh bakes adds to your intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin B and iron.
2. Rosemary
The magical rosemary herb is a natural healer, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that support memory and concentration. It also supports digestion, and studies show it can curb chronic ailments.
3. Thyme
Some of us are not big fans of pharmaceutical antibiotics. So, if studies confirm that thyme is a natural antifungal and antibacterial medicine, we’d love to
add it to our diet.
I really love this ancient aromatic herb, and it is the primary ingredient in my stews and soups. Thyme is highly rich in vitamins A and C and is a powerful immune booster for relieving respiratory issues.
4. Olive Oil
Eating healthy means substituting refined, cholesterol-packed oils with plant-based options. The good old olive oil is a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Studies show that this ancient oil can lower the risk of heart disease and inflammation and aid in weight management.
5. Honey
Ditch regular sugar and opt for a natural sweetener instead. Organic honey provides antibacterial and antioxidant properties, great for energy boost, soothing sore throats, and relieving allergies.
Rosemary And Thyme Whole Grain Bread: Step-by-Step Recipe
To make this healthy whole grain bread, you’ll need to gather your ingredients first:
3 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves(finely chopped)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup unprocessed honey
1 ½ tablespoon Himalayan or sea salt
2 ¼ active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
2 eggs (optional)
Here is how to make your rosemary and thyme whole-grain bread:
Step 1: Activate the yeast:
Add warm water and honey in a small bowl, then stir thoroughly until the honey dissolves. Next, add the active yeast and let it settle for 5-10 minutes. If the mixture becomes frothy, your yeast is fully active.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
Combine the whole wheat flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves in a large bowl. Mix, then create a hole in the center of the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the wet and dry ingredients
Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well you’ve created. Slowly mix the ingredients until it turns into a dough.
Step 5: Knead the dough
Turn the dough onto a flat, floured surface and knead thoroughly for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 6: Let the dough rise
Lightly grease a bowl and add the kneaded dough. Cover with a clean towel and place it in a warm place free of daft for an hour or two. The dough should rise by then and double in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and produce air pockets in the bread.
Step 7: Shape your bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it to release the excess air trapped in it. You can then shape your dough into a loaf or smaller portions of your preferred shape. Add the shaped dough into greased baking tins or sheets.
Step 8: Let the Dough Rise Again
Cover the shaped dough with a clean towel and let it sit for another 30-45 minutes. This step is called the second rise and is necessary for the bread to develop a stronger flavor and texture.
Step 9: Prepare to Bake
While the dough rises for the second time, preheat the oven to 375° F. After the 30-45 minutes have elapsed, bake your bread for another 30-45 minutes or 20-30 minutes if you’re making rolls. You’ll know your bread is ready once it turns golden brown with a hollow sound when tapped.
Step 10: Remove From the Oven
Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack for it to cool. At this point, you may be tempted to slice your bread, but you should allow it to cool first to retain its texture.
9 Top Foods To Serve With Your Rosemary And Thyme Infused Whole Grain Bread
As usual, at Organic Health Bloom, we only share recipes that have your taste buds and health interests at heart.
A rosemary and thyme whole grain bread made from whole wheat flour featuring olive oil with honey is a healthy choice whether you’re a vegan or want to try an all-natural, organic wheat treat.
Here are some delicious options for serving your rosemary and thyme whole grain bread:
- Soup
If you love your bread soaked into a delicious broth, try serving it alongside a bowl of hearty soup. It can be anything from tomato basil, butternut squash, or minestrone.
- Bruschetta
Add diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic toppings to the sliced bread. Sprinkle some salt and pepper, and enjoy the sweet bruschetta.
- Cheese Platter
Create a cheese platter with an assortment of goat cheese, brie, and camembert. You can add nuts and grapes and pair them with whole grain bread.
- Sandwiches
Another great way to enjoy your bread is to pair it with gourmet sandwiches made with roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.
- Avocado Toast
Add a natural fruit spread of mashed avocados garnished with salt and red pepper flakes for a simple breakfast treat.
- Eggs
Poached or fried eggs taste wonderful when paired with the spicy rosemary and thyme-infused bread.
Image: Freepik
- Salads
You can pair your bread with fresh salads. A perfect example is a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers for a satisfying crunch.
- Dips
An assortment of dips, including spinach, tzatziki, hummus, or artichoke dip, makes a great appetizer worth pairing with your organic bread. It’s an ideal accompaniment when hosting parties.
- Charcuterie board
A charcuterie board comprising an assortment of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and cured meats would also pair deliciously with your rosemary and thyme whole grain bread.
As you can see, there’s no limit to how you can serve and enjoy your whole-grain bread infused with rosemary and thyme herbs.
There’s a plethora of delicious accompaniments that you can use to strike the balance of health and nutrition. Our list above is not exclusive; other options include:
- Grilled vegetables
- Fruit preserve
- Smoked salmon
- Pesto
- Antipasto platter (if you’re into Italian food)
A Word On Baking Rosemary And Thyme Whole Grain Bread
A homemade bread featuring rosemary, thyme, and an assortment of healthy ingredients is a delightful, aromatic alternative to traditional bread recipes.
To make this wholesome treat, ensure the ingredients are organically sourced and of the highest quality.
Opt for fresh rosemary and thyme herbs to get the most flavor. They should be finely chopped for maximum fragrant distribution. Also, try experimenting with different herb quantities to suit your taste.
Try to achieve the best possible consistency for your Rosemary And Thyme Whole Grain Bread Recipe dough, ensuring it’s slightly tacky but not too sticky.
Finally, be patient during the rising stages of your dough and always start with high temperatures of around 450°F/230°C to create a fine crust and reduce it to 375°F/190°C for even baking. Enjoy!
Featured Image: Freepik