Ingredients

2 1/2 cups warm water
2 packages active dry yeast
1 pinch light brown sugar or 1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups fine-grind whole wheat flour , preferably stone ground
1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups dark raisins , plumped in hot water 1 hour and drained on paper towels
3 cups walnuts , broken or chopped
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour , for sprinkling
2 tablespoons unprocessed wheat bran , for sprinkling
This Italian Walnut-raisin Whole-wheat Bread (Pane Alle Noci E Uva) is a classic recipe from Tuscany, Italy. This bread is a delightful combination of sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and whole wheat goodness. It is often served as a snack or breakfast bread with a drizzle of honey or jam on top. This bread is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients such as yeast, olive oil, and honey. Once baked, the bread gives off a fragrant aroma, and the texture is soft, moist, and slightly chewy. The health benefits of this bread make it a smart choice for those who are looking for a more nutritious bread option.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and add brown sugar or honey. Let stand for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
3.Add the olive oil, 1/4 cup honey, salt, and whole wheat flour to the yeast mixture, and stir well.
4.Gradually add the unbleached all-purpose flour until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
5.Knead the dough for 10 minutes, and then mix in the raisins and walnuts.
6.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 45-60 minutes in a warm and draft-free area until the size of the dough has doubled.
7.Punch the dough down and divide it into 2 equal parts.
8.On a floured surface, shape each part into a large round or oval loaf.
9.Sprinkle whole wheat flour and wheat bran on the loaves, and then let them rest for 10 minutes.
10.Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

PROS

This homemade Walnut-raisin Whole-wheat Bread is an excellent source of nutrients.

The bread is rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The whole wheat flour and olive oil are considered healthy fats that help reduce the risk of heart disease.

CONS

The bread may be high in calories and carbohydrates, so it should be eaten in moderation, especially for those watching their diets.

The nuts in the bread may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This bread recipe has significant health benefits. The whole wheat flour and walnuts in the bread are known to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. The raisins in the bread are a good source of iron and antioxidants.

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