Discover the simplicity of homemade nutrition with this revolutionary flaxseed bread that requires just two main ingredients and zero traditional bread-making components. Perfect for those following gluten-free, keto, or plant-based diets, this nutrient-dense bread delivers remarkable texture and flavor while supporting your wellness journey. The golden-brown crust and nutty interior make this bread a versatile staple for any meal of the day.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (240g) ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup (40g) psyllium husk powder
- 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups (360ml) hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line a small round baking dish (approximately 7-inch/18cm diameter) with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the ground flaxseed, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add hot water to the dry mixture. The water should be hot but not boiling. Stir quickly to combine all ingredients into a thick, somewhat sticky dough.
- Shape the dough with wet hands to prevent sticking. Form into a rounded loaf and place in your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle additional seeds (optional) such as sesame, sunflower, or more flaxseeds on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the bread develops a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the interior sets properly.
- Slice and enjoy with your favorite toppings or accompaniments.
Nutritional Information
Per Slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g (mostly healthy omega-3 fatty acids)
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Baking Time: 40-45 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 12 slices
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Grind your own flaxseeds for maximum freshness and nutritional value. Use a coffee grinder or high-powered blender to achieve a fine meal consistency.
- The water temperature matters – it should be hot enough to activate the psyllium and baking powder but not boiling, which could damage the omega-3 fatty acids in the flaxseeds.
- Let the dough rest for 2-3 minutes after mixing to allow the psyllium to absorb moisture and create a more cohesive texture.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf – it should come out clean with no wet dough attached.
- For a crispier crust, place a small oven-safe dish with water on the bottom rack of your oven during baking to create steam.
- Storage is crucial for maintaining freshness due to the high oil content in flaxseeds – keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations:
- Mediterranean Herb: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dough.
- Seed Medley: Incorporate 1/4 cup of mixed seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame into the dough and sprinkle extra on top.
- Garlic and Onion: Mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes for a savory profile.
- Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a natural sweetener like stevia for a breakfast bread.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Golden flaxseed can replace brown flaxseed for a milder flavor and lighter color.
- Chia seeds can substitute for up to 1/4 cup of the flaxseed for variation in texture.
- Whole psyllium husks can replace powder at a 1.5:1 ratio (use 3/4 cup whole husks instead of 1/2 cup powder).
- Aluminum-free baking powder is recommended, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda plus 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
Common FAQs
1. Why does my bread have a gummy texture inside?
This typically happens when the bread hasn’t baked long enough or when too much water was added. Ensure you’re measuring ingredients precisely and extend baking time if needed. The interior should be moist but not gummy.
2. Can I use a standard loaf pan instead of a round dish?
Yes, though you may need to adjust baking time. A standard loaf pan will create a thinner bread that may bake more quickly. Check for doneness after 30 minutes.
3. Is this bread keto-friendly?
With only 1g of net carbs per slice, this bread is excellent for ketogenic diets. The high fiber content and healthy fats make it particularly suitable for low-carb lifestyles.
4. How can I enhance the bread’s rising capacity without yeast?
While this bread won’t rise dramatically like traditional yeast breads, you can maximize volume by ensuring your baking powder is fresh and active, and by not overmixing the dough, which can deflate air bubbles.
5. My dough seems too wet – what should I do?
Flaxseed and psyllium continue to absorb water after mixing. Wait 3-5 minutes before adding more dry ingredients. If still too wet, add additional flaxseed meal 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a moldable consistency.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage:
Store your flaxseed bread in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Refrigerate for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Instructions:
- Slice the completely cooled bread before freezing for easy single-serving access.
- Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw individual slices at room temperature for 30 minutes or lightly toast from frozen.
Refreshing Tips:
To revive day-old bread, lightly spritz with water and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or toast individual slices for a crispy texture.
Make-Ahead Option:
Prepare the dry ingredient mixture in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply add hot water and continue with the recipe for fresh bread in under an hour.
This nutritious, simple bread proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or require specialty ingredients. With just flaxseed, psyllium, and a few pantry staples, you can create a versatile loaf that supports digestive health, provides essential nutrients, and satisfies your bread cravings without compromising your dietary goals.
