Oat Bread, made with oat flour, Hefezopf is a delicious alternative to conventional wheat bread. It has a tender, fluffy texture and satisfying flavor that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s also low-allergen and can be made dairy free, too!
Oat bread is made with oat flour, oats, and other ingredients for a hearty, nutrient-dense, and gluten-free breakfast or snack. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry.
Traditional wheat bread makes use of a mixture of water, yeast, and other ingredients to activate the gluten network. Oats, on the other hand, do not contain the necessary proteins for this process. As a result, oat flour alone cannot create the same spongy, porous texture of wheat flour.
When it comes to making oat bread, some bakers have discovered that adding a small amount of wheat gluten to the dough can help it behave more like traditional wheat bread. The resulting dough has a better volume and better texture (Salmenkallio-Marttila et al., 2005).
The key to creating a good quality oat bread is making sure the oats are ground very fine. This can be done in several ways, including using a stone or hammer mill, or using a sifter to separate the coarser flour and the final, whole oat flour.
In the grinding process, oats are processed with a high pressure (HP) treatment to weaken the protein structure and reduce moisture redistribution. This improves the gas retention and reduces the bread’s shrinkage during baking, resulting in better loaf volume. The oat flour used in oat breads can also be treated to increase the phytic acid content, which makes the grain more digestible.
Oat bread is a popular choice for people with celiac disease, as well as those on a gluten-free diet, because it is high in dietary fiber and contains anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is a great source of iron and potassium.
It is also low in saturated fat and sodium, and contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, and manganese. It is a good source of soluble fiber and is low in cholesterol.
This oat bread is also rich in antioxidants, which helps protect the body against diseases and illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folate, and fiber.
Oat bread can be served with soups, and it is a nutritious and satiating food that can reduce hunger during a meal. It is also a healthy and filling snack that can be eaten with nut butters or spreads, or even by itself.
To make oat bread, start with a basic yeast or sourdough recipe and add cooked oatmeal to it. You can also add other ingredients to jazz up the flavor, such as dried fruit or honey.
You can also add buttermilk and spices to give the dough a slightly soured taste. Adding nuts or seeds to the oat bread can also be an excellent idea, as it will provide a crunch and more texture.