Amaranth Bread Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade amaranth bread with a perfect balance of nutty flavors and wholesome nutrition. This easy baking recipe combines the ancient grain amaranth with traditional bread-making techniques for a foolproof loaf that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic round loaf of amaranth bread with a beautifully cracked golden-brown crust, placed on a weathered wooden cutting board. A cross-section view reveals the bread's distinctive light tan crumb with tiny flecks of amaranth seeds scattered throughout. Soft natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the bread's textural elements and creating gentle shadows. Scattered around the loaf are sprigs of fresh herbs, a small bowl of amaranth seeds, and a linen cloth partially draped beneath the bread. A butter knife rests beside a slice that's been cut to showcase the bread's perfect density and even air pockets, with a small dish of softened butter nearby.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g amaranth flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g whole amaranth seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g honey (or maple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">260ml warm water (about 38°C)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10g flaxseeds (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Dutch oven or baking stone</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Proofing basket or bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bread lame or sharp knife for scoring</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (38°C - it should feel warm but not hot to the touch) with honey, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy. This activation ensures your bread will rise properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the amaranth flour, bread flour, amaranth seeds, flaxseeds (if using), and salt. The amaranth flour provides a nutritional boost with protein and minerals, while the bread flour contributes the necessary gluten structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. If using a stand mixer, combine on low speed with a dough hook for 2-3 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes (or 5-6 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. The dough will feel slightly tacky but shouldn't stick to your hands. The amaranth makes this dough a bit stickier than traditional bread dough, so resist adding too much extra flour which could make your bread dense.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1.5-2 hours, until doubled in size. The first rise develops flavor and structure in your bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently deflate the dough by pressing down with your fingertips. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center, creating surface tension. Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a proofing basket or bowl lined with a well-floured kitchen towel.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cover loosely and let rise for 45-60 minutes, until the dough springs back slowly when poked gently with a finger. Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven or baking stone in the oven and preheat to 230°C for at least 30 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>When ready to bake, carefully flip the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Score the top with a bread lame or sharp knife, making slashes about 1cm deep. This allows the bread to expand properly during baking and creates that beautiful artisan look.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Using the parchment paper, carefully lower the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 25 minutes. This creates steam inside the pot which helps develop a crackly crust. Then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing, at least 2 hours. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the crumb to set properly and the flavors to develop. Enjoy your nutritious amaranth bread fresh, toasted, or stored in a paper bag for up to 3 days.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Amaranth Bread Recipe?

This nutritious bread uses amaranth flour and seeds, bread flour, active dry yeast, honey, warm water, olive oil, salt, and optional flaxseeds. Amaranth provides protein and minerals while bread flour contributes the necessary gluten structure for a perfect loaf.

How to cook Amaranth Bread Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Amaranth Bread Recipe by activating yeast with warm water and honey, combining with flours and seeds, kneading until elastic, allowing two rises, and baking in a preheated Dutch oven at 230°C - first covered for 25 minutes to create steam for a crispy crust, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven or baking stone?

Yes, you can bake this bread on a regular baking sheet, though the crust won't be quite as crispy. To compensate, place a metal baking dish with water on the bottom rack of your oven to create steam during the first 15 minutes of baking.

Is amaranth bread completely gluten-free?

This particular recipe isn't fully gluten-free as it contains bread flour. However, you can adapt it to be gluten-free by replacing the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend plus 1 tsp xanthan gum, though the texture will be somewhat different.

How can I store homemade amaranth bread to keep it fresh longer?

For optimal freshness, store cooled amaranth bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread, wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost slices as needed or toast from frozen.

Want to try something else in ...

Whole Grain Bread

Try following recommended recipes

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Amaranth Bread Recipe", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gurbir Aujla", "brand": "What's Baking?", "jobTitle": "Baker" }, "datePublished": "2024-06-25", "description": "Learn how to make this homemade amaranth bread with a perfect balance of nutty flavors and wholesome nutrition. This easy baking recipe combines the ancient grain amaranth with traditional bread-making techniques for a foolproof loaf that's as nutritious as it is delicious.", "prepTime": "PT25M", "cookTime": "PT45M", "totalTime": "PT3H10M", "keywords": "amaranth bread, ancient grain bread, nutritious bread recipe, homemade bread, artisan bread", "recipeYield": "12", "recipeCategory": "Bread", "recipeCuisine": "International", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "185 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "32 g", "proteinContent": "6 g", "fatContent": "5 g", "saturatedFatContent": "1 g", "cholesterolContent": "0 mg", "sodiumContent": "230 mg", "sugarContent": "2 g", "servingSize": "1 slice" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "100g amaranth flour", "250g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)", "50g whole amaranth seeds", "7g active dry yeast (1 packet)", "15g honey (or maple syrup)", "260ml warm water (about 38°C)", "30ml olive oil", "8g salt", "10g flaxseeds (optional)" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Activate yeast", "text": "Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (38°C - it should feel warm but not hot to the touch) with honey, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy. This activation ensures your bread will rise properly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix dry ingredients", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the amaranth flour, bread flour, amaranth seeds, flaxseeds (if using), and salt. The amaranth flour provides a nutritional boost with protein and minerals, while the bread flour contributes the necessary gluten structure." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Form dough", "text": "Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. If using a stand mixer, combine on low speed with a dough hook for 2-3 minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Knead dough", "text": "Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes (or 5-6 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. The dough will feel slightly tacky but shouldn't stick to your hands. The amaranth makes this dough a bit stickier than traditional bread dough, so resist adding too much extra flour which could make your bread dense." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "First rise", "text": "Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1.5-2 hours, until doubled in size. The first rise develops flavor and structure in your bread." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Shape loaf", "text": "Gently deflate the dough by pressing down with your fingertips. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center, creating surface tension. Place the shaped dough seam-side up in a proofing basket or bowl lined with a well-floured kitchen towel." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Second rise", "text": "Cover loosely and let rise for 45-60 minutes, until the dough springs back slowly when poked gently with a finger. Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven or baking stone in the oven and preheat to 230°C for at least 30 minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Score dough", "text": "When ready to bake, carefully flip the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Score the top with a bread lame or sharp knife, making slashes about 1cm deep. This allows the bread to expand properly during baking and creates that beautiful artisan look." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake bread", "text": "Using the parchment paper, carefully lower the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 25 minutes. This creates steam inside the pot which helps develop a crackly crust. Then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and serve", "text": "Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing, at least 2 hours. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the crumb to set properly and the flavors to develop. Enjoy your nutritious amaranth bread fresh, toasted, or stored in a paper bag for up to 3 days." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Annika Bergström", "datePublished": "2024-06-10", "reviewBody": "Perfect nutty flavor and wonderful texture! The amaranth gives this bread such a unique taste that pairs beautifully with cheese or just a simple spread of butter. Will definitely make this again.", "name": "Nutty Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miguel Santos", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "This is the best gluten-friendly option I've tried! My family requests it weekly now. The crust is crispy while the inside stays soft and flavorful. A game changer for our household.", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Sharma", "datePublished": "2024-06-15", "reviewBody": "What I love most about this amaranth bread is how well it holds together unlike other alternatives I've tried. It toasts perfectly and makes the most amazing sandwiches. Absolutely worth the extra rising time!", "name": "Excellent Structure", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Liang Wei", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "I've been looking for nutritious bread recipes and this one is now my go-to! It freezes beautifully for meal prep, and I love the subtle sweetness that comes through. The detailed instructions made it easy to follow even for an intermediate baker.", "name": "Nutritious and Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Petrov", "datePublished": "2024-05-30", "reviewBody": "This amaranth bread has the perfect crust - so crispy! The interior is tender with just the right density. I added some sunflower seeds along with the flaxseeds and it was divine. It's especially good toasted with jam!", "name": "Perfect Crust", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ingredients are used in Amaranth Bread Recipe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This nutritious bread uses amaranth flour and seeds, bread flour, active dry yeast, honey, warm water, olive oil, salt, and optional flaxseeds. Amaranth provides protein and minerals while bread flour contributes the necessary gluten structure for a perfect loaf." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How to cook Amaranth Bread Recipe at home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Learn how to cook Amaranth Bread Recipe by activating yeast with warm water and honey, combining with flours and seeds, kneading until elastic, allowing two rises, and baking in a preheated Dutch oven at 230°C - first covered for 25 minutes to create steam for a crispy crust, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden brown." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven or baking stone?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, you can bake this bread on a regular baking sheet, though the crust won't be quite as crispy. To compensate, place a metal baking dish with water on the bottom rack of your oven to create steam during the first 15 minutes of baking." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is amaranth bread completely gluten-free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This particular recipe isn't fully gluten-free as it contains bread flour. However, you can adapt it to be gluten-free by replacing the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend plus 1 tsp xanthan gum, though the texture will be somewhat different." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I store homemade amaranth bread to keep it fresh longer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For optimal freshness, store cooled amaranth bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread, wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost slices as needed or toast from frozen." } } ] }