Multigrain Sunflower Sourdough Bread

Katzen's Note:

Inspired by Multigrain Loaf (By the Canadian Living Test Kitchen), which I really loved, but wanted to make as sourdough. I loved the result, so I'm posting it here hoping someone else loves it as much as me! I used 2 cups of 7 grain multigrain bread flour that I found at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, and 2 1/2 cups of Robin Hood Best for Bread Multigrain flour (which is really white, whole wheat, cracked wheat, and ground flax.) I used 1847 Oregon Trail Sourdough which I had just gotten two days prior, but any sourdough would do! The flour can be a combination of multigrain and whole wheat or white flour, to your taste preference. If you're so inspired, top this loaf with 7 grain cereal, oats, bran. Spray the loaf with Pam or water and then sprinkle with the topping before baking.

• Total Time: 24 hrs 50 mins
• Prep Time: 24 hrs
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 1.0 Loaf

To make Proofed Starter

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup sourdough starter
• 1 cup multigrain whole wheat bread flour

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups multigrain whole wheat flour (or combination of multigrain, whole wheat, and white)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Topping (optional)

• seven-grain cereal

Directions:

1. Starter: In large bowl, combine water, sugar, starter, flour, stirring until mixture is consistency of thick pancake batter, about 2 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand in warm place until bubbly and puffy, and yeasty/sour aroma develops, 8 to 12 hours.
2. Stir in 4 cups of the flour, warm water, sunflower seeds, honey and salt, using a stand mixer or your hands, to make soft, somewhat sticky dough. Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour if the dough is too sticky.
3. Turn out into oiled bowl; let rest for 30 minutes. Fold dough (like folding a letter), turn 90 degrees, fold again, repeat twice. Return to bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes more; repeat foldings. Form into loaf - round or loaf shaped, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, 2 to 2 1-1/2 hours. You can place it in a greased loaf pan or cookie sheet, in a brotform -- whatever. I highly recommend using a brotform and a baking stone, or a clay baker, but it works well with a simple loaf pan.
4. Preheat oven to 375. If using a stone, place it in while preheating, for around 20 minutes. If using a clay baker, follow the usual process.
5. If using topping, spray with Pam or water, and sprinkle it on top. Slash top. Bake in centre of 375°F (190°C) oven until instant-read thermometer registers 215°F (102°C) and/or loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, 50 minutes. Transfer to rack; let cool.

Reviews

[wyojess]

Really yummy, but got kind of chewy after a day or so. Great way to get your fiber! Also makes good toast :)

[Sydney Mike]

Made this bread using part of another recipe of yours, Harvest Grain Blend for Bread #384672, & both were a big success & most satisfying! And, although they are a great combo (& I look forward to combining them again & again), I do plan on making this sourdough bread as given here! Thanks for sharing some great recipes! [Tagged, made & reviewed for one of my adoptees in the current Pick A Chef]