Cocoa Nib and Black Garlic Bread with Sprouted Wheat Recipe
This hearty artisan loaf combines earthy sprouted wheat, bittersweet cocoa nibs, and complex umami-rich black garlic for a bread that's sophisticated yet comforting.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g sprouted wheat berries (or sprouted wheat flour)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g strong bread flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g whole wheat flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">350ml warm water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10g active dry yeast</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20g honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g cocoa nibs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">40g black garlic cloves, roughly chopped (or roasted garlic with a touch of molasses)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Rice flour or cornmeal for dusting</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Dutch oven or heavy covered pot</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Proofing basket or bowl lined with cloth</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bread lame or sharp knife for scoring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)</li></ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>If using wheat berries instead of sprouted wheat flour, begin by sprouting them: soak 200g wheat berries in cold water for 8-12 hours, drain, then rinse twice daily until tiny sprouts appear (about 2-3 days). Dry slightly, then grind in a food processor to a coarse flour.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, combine warm water (350ml) with honey and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast and ensures your bread will rise properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Mix the sprouted wheat flour (or processed sprouted berries), bread flour, and whole wheat flour in a separate bowl. Add salt and whisk to distribute evenly – proper salt distribution is crucial for both flavor and controlling fermentation rate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Add olive oil and continue mixing. At this point, you can either knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 5-6 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently fold in the cocoa nibs and chopped black garlic until evenly distributed. The nibs will provide textural contrast and subtle bitterness, while the black garlic adds complex sweetness and umami notes. Be careful not to overmix, which would damage the dough structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. The sprouted wheat contains active enzymes that will help your dough rise more efficiently than regular wheat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>After the first rise, gently deflate the dough on a lightly floured surface. Shape into a tight ball by pulling the edges toward the center and pinching to seal. Place seam-side up in a proofing basket or cloth-lined bowl that's been dusted with rice flour or cornmeal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cover and let rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until the dough springs back slowly when gently poked with your finger. Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven with the lid on in the oven and preheat to 230°C (450°F) for at least 30 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>When ready to bake, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Turn your dough out onto a piece of parchment paper (seam-side down), then score the top with a bread lame or sharp knife. This isn't just decorative – it allows the bread to expand properly during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Using the parchment paper, lower the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and return to the oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes – the lid traps steam, creating a beautiful crust. Then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 95-98°C (203-208°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing – at least 1 hour. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the crumb structure to set and flavors to develop. Don't be tempted to cut it too soon!</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Can I substitute black garlic if I can't find it locally?
Yes, you can substitute black garlic with roasted garlic mixed with a touch of molasses to mimic the sweet, complex umami flavour. Alternatively, try fermented garlic or even caramelised onions with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavour.
How do I properly sprout wheat berries for artisan bread?
Soak wheat berries in cold water for 8-12 hours, then drain and rinse twice daily until tiny sprouts appear (2-3 days). The sprouted berries should be just barely sprouted - when the white sprout is about the same length as the berry itself. Dry slightly before grinding.
Why is baking bread in a Dutch oven better than a regular baking tray?
A Dutch oven traps steam released from the dough during baking, creating the perfect humid environment for a crisp, crackly crust and proper oven spring. The heavy cast iron also distributes heat evenly, resulting in consistent baking and better overall bread structure.
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