Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Kodo Millet Country Bread. This rustic loaf is hearty, flavorful, and packed with the nutritious benefits of kodo millet. Perfect for any meal, whether it’s a simple sandwich or a side to your favorite soup. Let’s dive into making this wholesome bread!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 cup kodo millet flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon flaxseeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for added texture)

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast:

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Add a pinch of sugar or honey to help activate the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the kodo millet flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are well mixed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Make the Dough:

Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form. The dough will be a bit sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time.

5. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.

6. First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Shape the Loaf:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rustic loaf. You can shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.

8. Second Rise:

Place the shaped loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a well-greased loaf pan. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen noticeably.

9. Preheat the Oven:

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

10. Add Topping (Optional):

If desired, brush the top of the loaf with a little water and sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or rolled oats on top for added texture and flavor.

11. Bake the Loaf:

Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).

12. Cool and Serve:

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help the bread set and make it easier to slice.

13. Enjoy:

Slice and enjoy your homemade Kodo Millet Country Bread with your favorite spreads, soups, or as a base for sandwiches. It’s a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal!

Tips:

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add herbs, nuts, or seeds to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
• Kneading: If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough, which can save time and effort.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Kodo Millet Country Bread as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to incorporate the benefits of kodo millet into your baking. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy baking!