Ezekiel Bread Recipe (A Nutritious and Wholesome Homemade Bread)

Hello everyone! I’m Austin from Beyond the Bayou Blog, and I have another recipe fresh out of my kitchen. Now, this one’s a bit different from the Cajun and Creole dishes I usually whip up.

A few months back, my doctor told me I needed to clean up my diet a bit. But I just couldn’t bear the thought of giving up bread entirely. That’s when my mama pointed me towards Ezekiel’s bread.

At first, I wasn’t too keen on this “healthy” loaf. But after one bite, I was a believer! This dense, nutty, slightly sweet bread is a game-changer.

Not only is it jam-packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Avocado toast, grilled sandwiches, French toast—you name it, Ezekiel bread makes it better. Bonus? It’s ridiculously easy to make at home—no fancy kitchen skills are required! So, let’s get baking, shall we?

Overview: How To Make Ezekiel Bread?

If you’re looking for hearty and nutritious homemade bread, this multi-grain loaf is a winner. Combining wheat, barley, millet, rye, and lentils, this bread packs a punch of flavor and nutrients. I love how the lentils add a subtle richness and the mix of flours gives it a unique texture.

To start, dissolve yeast in warm water and honey, letting it sit until frothy. Mix the various flours together, then blend cooked lentils with olive oil and a bit of water. Combine everything in a large bowl, adding the yeast mixture, salt, and flour gradually.

Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise until doubled. After punching it down and shaping it into loaves, give it another rise. Finally, bake at 375°F for 45 minutes to an hour until you have four beautiful, golden loaves. The prep time includes dough rising, so plan accordingly.

Enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade bread!

Ezekiel Bread Recipe

This multi-grain bread combines wheat, barley, millet, rye, and lentils for a flavorful and nutritious homemade loaf. Perfect for hearty sandwiches or to enjoy on its own!

4.60 from 15 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breads

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 3 hours hours

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 3 hours hours 45 minutes minutes

Calories: 1660kcal

Author: Austin Carter

Equipment

• ▢
  Large mixing bowl
• ▢
  Blender
• ▢
  Measuring cups and spoons
• ▢
  Bread board
• ▢
  4 greased bread pans
• ▢
  Oven

Ingredients

• ▢ 8 cups wheat flour
• ▢ 4 cups barley flour
• ▢ 2 cups lentils cooked and mashed
• ▢ 1/2 cup millet flour grind up millet in the blender
• ▢ 1/4 cup rye flour
• ▢ 1,1/2 cups water
• ▢ 1 tablespoon salt
• ▢ 4-6 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 2 1/4 ounce packets yeast or 1 tablespoon yeast, in
• ▢ 1/2 cup warm water
• ▢ 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

• Dissolve yeast in warm water and honey, let sit for 10 minutes.
• Mix wheat, barley, millet, and rye flour together.
• Blend lentils, oil, and a small amount of water in a blender, then combine with remaining water in a large bowl.
• Stir in two cups of the mixed flour, then add yeast mixture.
• Gradually add remaining salt and flour, kneading until smooth.
• Place dough in an oiled bowl and let rise until doubled in size.
• Punch down dough, shape into 4 loaves, and place in greased pans.
• Let rise again until doubled, then bake at 375°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Nutrition

Calories: 1660kcal | Carbohydrates: 325g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 206g | Sodium: 1760mg | Fiber: 52g | Sugar: 8.4g

Keyword Authentic ezekiel bread recipe, Best Ezekiel bread recipe, easy Ezekiel bread recipe, Ezekiel bread, Ezekiel bread ingredients, Ezekiel bread recipe, how to make Ezekiel bread

Some Important Tips!

• Substitute Ingredients: If you’re sensitive to wheat or gluten, omit them and add more spelled, millet, lentils, or beans like garbanzo beans as alternatives.
• Adjust Portions: You can halve this recipe without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Buying Options: While premixed grains and beans are available online, buying separate bags of dry beans and mixing them yourself can be more economical and allows you to control the quantities precisely.

Variations that You Will Love Trying!

• Add Seeds: Enhance the texture and nutritional value by adding seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or chia. Mix them into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans can add a rich flavor and extra protein. Fold them into the dough after the first rise.
• Use Different Sweeteners: Instead of honey, try using maple syrup, agave nectar, or molasses for a unique flavor twist.
• Include Dried Fruits: Add a hint of natural sweetness by mixing in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. They pair wonderfully with the hearty grains.
• Herb Infusion: For a savory twist, mix in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. This adds an aromatic dimension to the bread, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast.
• Add Whole Grains: Incorporate whole grains like oats or quinoa for added texture and nutritional benefits. Cook the grains first and then fold them into the dough.
• Substitute Flours: Experiment with different flours like spelled or einkorn. They bring their unique flavors and can change the bread’s texture slightly.
• Flavor with Spices: Add a touch of warmth and depth by incorporating spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough.
• Make It Vegan: Use agave nectar instead of honey to make the bread fully vegan-friendly.
• Cinnamon Raisin Ezekiel Bread: This variation adds raisins and cinnamon to the original Ezekiel bread. Heat water, oil, honey, and yeast to activate the yeast. Mix beans, whole grains, and ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, then grind and add to the yeast mixture. Stir in ¼ cup of raisins to form a sticky dough. Pour into a greased bread pan, let rise for 45 minutes, and bake for 45-60 minutes.
• Sprouted Raisin Bread: Use the same ingredients as the Cinnamon Raisin variation, minus the cinnamon. Mix honey, oil, water, and yeast until the yeast activates. Combine whole grains and beans, grind well, and mix in ¼ cup of raisins. Stir into the activated yeast mixture, let rise for 45 minutes, and bake at 350°F (177°C) until golden brown.
• Sesame Sprouted Loaf: Add 1½ teaspoons of sesame seeds for a delicious twist. Mix water, oil, honey, and yeast, and let it activate for five minutes. Combine whole grains and beans, grind well, and mix into the activated yeast. Stir in sesame seeds, let rise for 45 minutes, and bake at 350°F (177°C) until golden brown. Slice and enjoy!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own unique multi-grain bread masterpiece!

What to Serve with Ezekiel Bread?

• Zahav’s Hummus
• Roasted Vegetables Medley
• Baked Potato
• Taco Salad
• Deviled Egg Potato Salad

How To Manage the Leftovers?

• Shelf Life of Ezekiel Loaf: Unlike store-bought loaves, Ezekiel bread has no preservatives, which means a shorter shelf life. Ideally, consume it within 72 hours.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftovers are inevitable. To store your bread, avoid refrigeration.
• Freezing the Bread: Cut the bread into slices, wrap them in baker’s paper, and store them in the freezer. This allows you to take out a slice or two as needed while keeping the taste intact. When frozen properly, this bread can maintain its quality and taste for up to a year.
• Thawing the Bread: When you’re ready to eat, remove the slices you need from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature until fully thawed. Do not use a microwave to thaw the bread, as it causes the bread to lose nutrients.