Wholesome Loaf

Start by making the dough. Either by hand or using the dough hook of a machine mix together the dough ingredients and adding between 280 and 320ml water, sufficient to form a dough. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic – this will take around 10 minutes in a machine and 15-20 minutes by hand.

Grease a roomy mixing bowl and pop the dough into it then cover with a shower cap or cloth and allow to double in size. This will take around an hour in a warm place.

Take the risen dough from the bowl and reshape into a circle, twisting the dough so that it tightens more and more into itself. This way you will achieve a round loaf rather than a flat one.

Place the dough ball onto a baking sheet lined with reusable baking parchment and leave to prove for 50 minutes. I place my loaf in the microwave and keep the door shut – it saves having to cover the bread.  Alternatively, after shaping the dough place into a 2 lb loaf tin and leave to prove for 50 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 220 degrees and after the proving time – give a spray of water then pop into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until well browned. Take the loaf from the oven and rub over the surface with a used butter paper – the glaze is amazing !