How to Make Barley Bread

Barley bread is a wholesome and hearty bread. The nutty flavor of the barley, blended with whole wheat and white flour, with just a touch of sweet honey, make a bread that you won't forget. Use it for delicious sandwiches, or toast it brown and crispy for breakfast.

Things You'll Need

• 3 tsp. active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tbs. olive oil
• 3 tbs. honey
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups barley flour
• 2 cups unbleached white flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tbs. canola oil
• 2 tsp. sea salt

Instructions

1. Pour the warm water in a large mixing bowl, and sprinkle the yeast on top of the water. Once it becomes soft, add the honey and stir the mixture well. Allow it to set undisturbed for a few minutes, until it begins to bubble.

2. Mix the barley flour, whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour and baking powder in a bowl. Add half of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture and stir it constantly for about 10 minutes, until the mixture looks like a thick, heavy paste. Cover the bowl with a dry towel and put it in a warm, draft-free place to rise for about an hour, until the dough doubles in size.

3. Punch the dough down and mix in the canola oil, sea salt and 1/2 cup of the remaining mixed flours. Add more flour a little at a time until the dough begins to form a soft ball and no longer sticks to the bowl. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for at least ten minutes, adding more flour as necessary.

4. Put the dough in an oiled bowl and cover the bowl with a clean towel. Put aside and allow iti to rise for 2 hours, until it again doubles in size.

5. Punch the dough down again and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each into a round loaf and cut two slashes into the top.

6. Oil a baking sheet and put the round loafs on the sheet. Let the dough rise a third time, until it doubles in size, about 50 to 60 minutes. Bake the barley bread for 45 to 50 minutes.