To make soft whole wheat bread, follow these steps:
1. **Ingredients:**
- 3 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1.5 cups of warm water
- 2.5 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
2. **Proof the yeast:**
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey/maple syrup, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. **Mix the ingredients:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir until it forms a sticky dough.
4. **Knead the dough:**
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. **First rise:**
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. **Punch down and shape:**
After the first rise, punch down the dough to remove excess air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
7. **Second rise:**
Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.
8. **Preheat the oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. **Bake:**
Bake the bread for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. **Cool:**
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This process should result in a soft whole wheat bread. Adjust the water and flour quantities as needed, as humidity can affect dough consistency. Also, avoid over-kneading, as it can make the bread tougher.
