Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for Pearl Millet Sandwich Bread. Pearl millet, known for its rich nutritional profile, is an excellent choice for making a hearty and wholesome sandwich bread. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 cup pearl millet flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 large egg (optional, for enriched dough)

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 if desired to help activate the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

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

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

Add the honey and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. If you’re using an egg, beat it lightly and add it to the mixture.

4. Make the Dough:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form. The dough will be sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more 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 Bread:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

8. Second Rise:

Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen above the rim of the pan.

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.

11. Bake the Bread:

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf 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 bread 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 Pearl Millet Sandwich Bread with your favorite fillings. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply with a spread of butter or jam.

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.
• Variations: Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for additional 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 baking and eating this Pearl Millet Sandwich Bread as much as I do! It’s a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of millet. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy baking!