Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your day than with a healthy, homemade oatmeal bread? This recipe is perfect for those who are looking to avoid flour and butter but still want a delicious and nutritious breakfast option. Made with simple ingredients, this flourless oatmeal bread is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you have dietary restrictions or are just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 90 grams of oat flakes (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of mixed seeds (such as chia, flax, sesame, or sunflower seeds)
- 200 ml of kefir or yogurt
- 1 medium egg
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- Extra seeds for decoration
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes, salt, baking soda, and mixed seeds. Stir well to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the kefir (or yogurt), egg, and apple cider vinegar. These wet ingredients will help bind the oat mixture and create a smooth batter.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly until well combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more kefir or yogurt to achieve the desired consistency.
- Baking:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with extra seeds for decoration. This not only adds a lovely crunch but also enhances the nutritional value of the bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.
- Cooling:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure the bread sets properly and doesn’t become soggy.
- Serving:
- Slice the bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as avocado, hummus, nut butter, or a simple drizzle of honey. You can also toast the slices for a crispy texture.
Cooking Tips
- Oats: Ensure you use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats or instant oats may result in a different consistency.
- Seeds: Feel free to experiment with different types of seeds based on your preference. Pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and hemp seeds are also great options.
- Kefir/Yogurt: Both kefir and yogurt work well in this recipe. Kefir tends to be thinner, which might result in a slightly different texture compared to using yogurt.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This helps to activate the baking soda, providing a good rise to the bread. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: Oats are a great source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Seeds: Mixed seeds add a boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber to the bread. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health and reducing inflammation.
- Kefir/Yogurt: Both are excellent sources of probiotics, which support gut health and boost the immune system. They also provide calcium, protein, and various vitamins.
- Eggs: Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This bread is packed with wholesome ingredients that offer numerous health benefits. It’s a great way to start your day with a nutritious breakfast.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- No Flour, No Butter: Ideal for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to reduce their intake of flour and butter. It’s also a great option for those who are gluten-free.
- Versatile: This bread can be enjoyed in many ways. Toast it, top it with your favorite spreads, or enjoy it plain. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet while still providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: By using gluten-free oats, this recipe is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- No Butter: This bread does not contain butter, making it a lower-fat option compared to traditional bread recipes.
- High in Fiber: The combination of oats and seeds makes this bread high in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
- Probiotic-Rich: Kefir or yogurt adds probiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Why This Recipe Works
- Binding Power of Oats and Egg: The combination of oats and egg helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a sturdy yet tender loaf.
- Leavening with Baking Soda and Vinegar: The reaction between baking soda and apple cider vinegar provides the necessary rise, ensuring the bread is light and airy despite being flourless.
- Moisture from Kefir/Yogurt: The kefir or yogurt adds moisture, preventing the bread from being dry. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the oats and seeds.
- Nutrient Density: Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its nutritional benefits, making this bread not only tasty but also incredibly healthy.
Conclusion
This healthy, flourless oatmeal bread is a fantastic addition to your breakfast repertoire. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and versatile, making it perfect for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch. With the simple ingredients listed above, you can create a delicious bread that is free from flour and butter, yet full of flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet, looking to reduce your fat intake, or simply wanting to try something new, this oatmeal bread recipe is sure to please. The combination of oats, seeds, and kefir or yogurt creates a wholesome and satisfying bread that you can enjoy in various ways.
So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make a healthy and delicious bread at home. Happy baking!