Savory Walnut and Beer Artisan Bread
This Savory Walnut and Beer Artisan Bread brings together the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts and the depth of beer to create a uniquely delicious loaf that's perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying by itself. With a blend of whole wheat and bread flour, this recipe offers a hearty texture, while the rosemary and sautéed onions add an aromatic flair. Using a bread machine makes it simple to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it bakes. Share this delightful loaf with family and friends at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beer
1 1/3 cups (room temperature)
walnut oil
3 tablespoons
molasses
1 1/2 tablespoons
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
rosemary
3/4 teaspoon (dried)
whole wheat flour
2 cups
bread flour
2 cups
yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons (active dry)
walnuts
2/3 cup (chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (sautéed)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering all the ingredients, ensuring that the beer is at room temperature.
2
Layer the ingredients in the bread machine's pan, starting with the beer, walnut oil, molasses, salt, and rosemary.
3
Next, add the whole wheat flour followed by the bread flour, creating a barrier between the wet and dry ingredients.
4
Make a small well in the flour and add the yeast, being careful not to let it touch the liquid ingredients.
5
Select the 'Basic' or 'Whole Wheat' setting on your bread machine, ensuring your loaf size is set for 1 loaf.
6
Start the machine, and let it mix until the dough forms a ball, noticing the smoothness as it develops.
7
During the add-in cycle or five minutes before the final kneading, add the chopped walnuts and sautéed onions to ensure they're distributed evenly throughout the dough.
8
Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
9
Turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Walnut and Beer Artisan Bread?
It is a hearty, flavorful loaf made in a bread machine using beer, whole wheat and bread flours, chopped walnuts, and sautéed onions.
What kind of beer should I use for this recipe?
You can use any beer of your choice; darker beers will provide a deeper, more robust flavor, while lighter beers offer a milder taste.
Does the beer need to be room temperature?
Yes, ensuring the beer is at room temperature helps the yeast activate properly during the bread machine cycle.
Can I substitute the walnut oil?
Yes, you can substitute walnut oil with olive oil or vegetable oil, though the bread will lose some of its distinct nutty aroma.
What is the purpose of molasses in this bread?
Molasses adds a subtle sweetness, helps with the browning of the crust, and provides a rich color to the loaf.
Can I use only whole wheat flour?
Using only whole wheat flour will result in a much denser and heavier loaf; the blend with bread flour ensures a better rise and texture.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
When should I add the walnuts and onions?
Add them during your bread machine's add-in cycle or approximately five minutes before the final kneading ends.
How do I prepare the onions?
The onions should be sautéed until soft and translucent before being added to the dough.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh rosemary; generally, you should use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What setting should I use on my bread machine?
Use the 'Basic' or 'Whole Wheat' setting on your machine.
Why do I need to make a well in the flour?
Creating a well for the yeast keeps it dry and separate from the liquid ingredients until the mixing cycle begins.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to prevent it from collapsing or sticking.
Can I make this bread without a bread machine?
While these instructions are for a bread machine, you can prepare it manually by kneading the dough by hand and baking it in a standard oven.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, the savory flavors and hearty texture make it excellent for sandwiches, especially those with sharp cheeses or roasted meats.
How should I store this bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I freeze Savory Walnut and Beer Artisan Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the baked loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it will stay fresh for up to three months.
Does the alcohol from the beer remain in the bread?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the baking process, leaving behind only the flavor and enzymes that help the bread rise.
Can I replace the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or hazelnuts would make excellent substitutes for walnuts in this recipe.
What if my bread machine doesn't have an add-in cycle?
If your machine lacks this feature, set a timer to manually add the walnuts and onions during the last few minutes of the second kneading.
Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Yes, honey can be used as a 1:1 substitute, though it will result in a lighter color and a different flavor profile.
Why is my bread loaf too dense?
Dense bread can be caused by expired yeast, cold liquid ingredients, or too much whole wheat flour.
Is this bread vegan?
The ingredients listed are vegan-friendly, provided the beer and sugar source (molasses) you choose are processed without animal products.
Can I add extra herbs to the recipe?
Yes, herbs like thyme or sage would complement the rosemary and onion very well.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce one standard-sized loaf of artisan bread.
Do I need to toast the walnuts first?
Toasting the walnuts beforehand is optional but can enhance their nutty flavor before you add them to the dough.
Why is bread flour used instead of all-purpose flour?
Bread flour has a higher protein content, which creates more gluten and helps the bread achieve a better structure and rise.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount slightly (usually 25% less) and you won't need to worry about the liquid barrier as much.
What is the best way to slice this bread?
Use a sharp serrated bread knife and wait until the loaf is completely cool to get clean, even slices.
Why does the recipe use walnut oil?
Walnut oil is used to reinforce the nutty flavor of the chopped walnuts and contribute to a soft crumb.