Wheat-Free Almond & Chickpea Bread
This Wheat-Free Almond & Chickpea Bread is a versatile and nutritious alternative to traditional bread, inspired by the Wheat Belly Cookbook by Dr. William Davis. The combination of blanched almond flour and garbanzo flour provides a delightful texture and nutty flavor, making it perfect for toasting or enjoying with spreads like cream cheese, almond butter, or classic butter. This bread serves as an excellent foundation for various adaptations; whether you prefer a sweet cinnamon raisin option or a savory garlic herb loaf, each variation brings its own unique character to the table. While perfect for everyday consumption, be mindful that including wet ingredients, such as tomatoes, for sandwiches may require careful assembly. Embrace this easy and delicious recipe as a staple in your wheat-free lifestyle, packed with healthy fats and protein to satisfy your cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
blanched almond flour
1 1/4 cups (Measured)
garbanzo flour
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (Measured)
golden flax seed, ground
1/4 cup (Ground)
baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons (Measured)
cinnamon (optional)
1 teaspoon (Measured)
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
eggs
5 (Separated into yolks and whites)
butter, melted
1/4 cup (Melted)
buttermilk
1 tablespoon (Measured)
Xylitol sweetener (or liquid stevia)
1 tablespoon (or to taste) (Measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan, ensuring all surfaces are well coated.
3
In a food processor, combine the blanched almond flour, garbanzo flour, ground golden flax seeds, baking soda, optional cinnamon, and sea salt. Pulse until the dry ingredients are well mixed.
4
Add the egg yolks, melted butter, buttermilk, and your choice of sweetener (xylitol or liquid stevia) to the dry ingredients. Pulse just until everything is smoothly blended.
5
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
6
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the flour mixture, using a spatula to incorporate without deflating the egg whites. Make sure the mixture is evenly combined.
7
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wheat-Free Almond & Chickpea Bread?
It is a nutritious, grain-free bread alternative inspired by the Wheat Belly Cookbook, made using almond and garbanzo flours.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the ingredients used, such as almond flour and garbanzo flour, are naturally gluten-free.
What are the main flours used in this bread?
The bread uses a combination of 1 1/4 cups of blanched almond flour and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of garbanzo (chickpea) flour.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the Wheat Belly Cookbook by Dr. William Davis.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size loaf pan is required?
An 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the dry ingredients and blend the wet ingredients smoothly.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 eggs, which need to be separated into yolks and whites.
Why must the egg whites be beaten separately?
The egg whites are beaten to soft peaks and then folded in to provide lift and a lighter texture to the dense nut flours.
What type of flax seeds should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of ground golden flax seeds.
Can I add a sweetener to this bread?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of Xylitol or liquid stevia to taste.
Is the cinnamon in the recipe mandatory?
No, the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is optional and can be omitted for a more neutral flavor.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically bakes for about 40 minutes.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the role of buttermilk in this recipe?
One tablespoon of buttermilk is added to the wet ingredients to help with the chemical reaction of the baking soda and improve texture.
Can I make a savory version of this loaf?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe by adding savory ingredients like garlic and herbs.
Can I make a sweet version?
Yes, a sweet variation like cinnamon raisin can be made by adding those specific ingredients.
What is the best way to cool the bread?
Cool it in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Is this bread good for toasting?
Yes, its texture makes it excellent for toasting and serving with butter or nut butters.
Can I use this bread for sandwiches?
Yes, but be careful when using wet ingredients like tomatoes, as it may affect the bread's structural integrity.
What kind of butter is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What texture can I expect from this bread?
It has a delightful texture and a nutty flavor due to the almond and garbanzo flours.
Does this bread contain protein?
Yes, it is packed with protein and healthy fats from the eggs, almond flour, and flax seeds.
Why is blanched almond flour specified?
Blanched almond flour provides a finer, more bread-like texture compared to unblanched almond meal.
How do I incorporate the egg whites?
Use a spatula to carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the flour mixture without deflating them.
Should I grease the pan?
Yes, ensure all surfaces of the loaf pan are well coated before adding the batter.
What is the purpose of pulsing the dry ingredients?
Pulsing ensures that the almond flour, chickpea flour, flax, and baking soda are evenly distributed.
Is the bread suitable for a low-carb lifestyle?
Yes, as it is wheat-free and uses nut-based flours, it fits well into many low-carb or wheat-free lifestyles.
What type of salt should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the optional cinnamon and sweetener.