There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh bread wafting through the kitchen, and today I’m sharing a recipe that’s both hearty and full of rustic charm—Rustic Almond Bread. With just a few simple ingredients, including whole almonds, this bread offers a deliciously nutty twist on a classic loaf. And the best part? I made it with the help of my brand-new KitchenAid mixer, which made mixing and kneading the dough a breeze! If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as rewarding to bake as it is to eat, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 2 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (for a hint of sweetness)
Instructions
1. Prepare Almonds:
Coarsely chop the almonds or pulse them in a food processor until they reach a coarse meal texture. Don’t grind them too fine—small chunks add a wonderful texture.
2. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey (if using). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
3. Mix Dough:
Using your KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, salt, and chopped almonds in the mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead:
Increase the mixer speed to medium and let it knead the dough for about 8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise:
Remove the dough from the mixer bowl, shape it into a ball, and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape and Second Rise:
Punch the dough down, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes.
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool:
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Notes
This recipe highlights the beauty of simple ingredients, elevated by the addition of almonds for a nutty twist. The KitchenAid mixer not only saved me time but also made the process more enjoyable—kneading by hand is fun, but sometimes modern tools are a baker’s best friend!
Conclusion
Rustic Almond Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with a spread of butter. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is a great way to experiment with wholesome ingredients and explore the joys of baking with almonds. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
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