Sunflower Seed Agave Bread

Though yeast-risen bread takes time to prepare, once its aroma wafts from the oven and you take your first bite, you’ll have instant gratification. This yummy bread is perfect for toasting as a breakfast eat or to enjoy as part of your favorite sandwich.
Though yeast-risen bread takes time to prepare, once its aroma wafts from the oven and you take your first bite, you’ll have instant gratification. This yummy bread is perfect for toasting as a breakfast eat or to enjoy as part of your favorite sandwich.

Sunflower Seed Agave Bread

Makes 1 large loaf

Ingredients:

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• 1 packet of active dry yeast

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• 1-3/4 cups warm water, divided

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• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

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• 2-1/2 cups white whole wheat flour (plus more for dusting)

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• 1 cup old fashioned oats

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• 1/2 cup wheat germ

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• 1/2 cup ground flax

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• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt

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• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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• 3/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for oiling a bowl)

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• Handful of raw sunflower seeds

Directions:

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1. In the bowl of a standup mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine yeast, 1/2 cup water, and sugar. Set aside to proof the yeast. It should become bubbly and foamy after 5 to 10 minutes.

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2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, wheat germ, flax, salt, and cinnamon.

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3. In a medium bowl, whisk together agave or maple syrup, olive oil, and remaining water.

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4. Add flour mixture and agave mixture to the mixer bowl. Blend on low speed until ingredients start to come together. Increase speed to medium-high and knead dough until it comes away from the sides of the bowl and becomes a dough. Continue to knead until dough is pliable and soft, adding a bit of flour at a time, if necessary to keep it from being sticky.

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5. Dump dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times, forming it into a ball.

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6. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning dough over to coat. Cover with plastic and set aside in a warm place until it is doubled in size, about 1-1/2 hours.

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7. Punch dough down and dump onto lightly floured surface. Form dough into an oblong.

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8. Place in a standard size loaf pan. Brush with water and sprinkle with sunflower seeds, pressing seeds into the dough. Cover and set in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.

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9. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake bread for 40 minutes or until it is well-browned and sounds hollow when tapped.

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10. Cool in pan for a few minutes then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

More vegan baking recipes!