Buckwheat Bread

Did you know that buckwheat is naturally gluten-free? That's right! So, if you deal with gluten intolerance, this bread is a great way to get naturally gluten-free (and dairy-free) bread that tastes great. Not only does this delicious bread taste great, but it's also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. 

So whether you are adhering to a gluten-free diet or are simply looking for a nutritious bread that you can make at home to save on grocery costs, this recipe is for you. In a little over 1 hour, you can have a delicious loaf of naturally gluten-free buckwheat bread to make sandwiches, serve with soups, or toast and spread with your favorite jam.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This dairy-free buckwheat bread recipe works effortlessly, offering simplicity and health benefits in every slice. Its straightforward preparation makes it accessible to all skill levels, requiring basic ingredients and minimal effort. By harnessing the natural properties of buckwheat, this bread emerges from the oven with a hearty texture and rich flavor profile. Being naturally gluten-free, it caters to individuals with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, each bite delivers a wholesome dose of nourishment. Moreover, crafting homemade bread not only guarantees quality and freshness but also presents a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties, helping to trim grocery expenses in the long run.

Ingredients

Chia Seeds:

Chia seeds in the buckwheat bread recipe provide omega-3s, fiber, and a pleasing texture. To prepare them, mix them with water and let them sit to form a gel-like consistency. This acts as a binder and helps the bread hold its shape. If substituting, flaxseeds or ground psyllium husk can provide similar binding properties and nutrition.

Buckwheat Flour:

Buckwheat flour serves as the foundation of this vegan bread recipe, imparting a rich, nutty flavor and hearty texture. It's a nutritious choice, boasting high levels of protein, fiber, and essential minerals like manganese and magnesium. Additionally, alternative gluten-free flour such as almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be incorporated to tailor the texture and taste to your preference.

Baking Powder:

Baking powder is used in gluten-free buckwheat bread recipes as a leavening agent to help the dough rise and achieve a light, airy texture. Unlike yeast, which relies on fermentation to produce carbon dioxide gas and leaven the bread, baking powder is a chemical leavening agent that reacts with moisture and acidic ingredients in the dough to release carbon dioxide bubbles, causing the bread to expand and rise during baking. This makes baking powder an ideal substitute for yeast in gluten-free bread recipes, as it provides a quick and reliable rise without the need for fermentation, resulting in a fluffy and tender loaf.

Buckwheat Grains:

Buckwheat grains, despite their name, are not actually grains but seeds harvested from the buckwheat plant, a member of the rhubarb family. These small, triangular-shaped seeds have a rich, nutty flavor and a distinctively earthy aroma. Adding them to the batter and topping your loaf of homemade buckwheat bread with buckwheat grains add nutritional value as well as a textural crunch to your bread.

How to Make This Easy Buckwheat Bread Recipe

Step One:

Combine chia seeds and water in a bowl. Set aside to soak.

Step Two: 

In a different large bowl, combine buckwheat flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step Three: 

Stir in water, oil, soaked chia seeds (from the small bowl), and half of the buckwheat grains until combined.

Step Four:

Pour your batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan and top with remaining buckwheat grains.

Step Five: 

Bake for 1 hour at 355F.

Step Six: 

Serve with your favorite spreads, and enjoy!

Tips

• Before baking, score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or blade to allow for proper expansion during baking and to create an attractive pattern on the crust.
• Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam during the first few minutes of baking. This helps develop a crisp crust.
• Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to prevent it from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to develop fully.

What to Serve With Homemade Buckwheat Bread

Buckwheat bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of savory and sweet accompaniments, enhancing its rustic flavor and versatility. For a savory option, consider serving slices of bread alongside creamy hummus or tangy cheese and sprinkled with sea salt and cracked black pepper. It also complements hearty soups and stews, soaking up their flavorful broths with each satisfying bite. Alternatively, for a sweet twist, spread a layer of almond butter or homemade fruit jam on top of toasted buckwheat bread for a wholesome breakfast or afternoon snack.

FAQs

How can I add more flavor to my buckwheat bread?

You can add more flavor to your buckwheat bread by incorporating ingredients like herbs, spices, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or even cheese into the dough. Experiment with different flavor combinations to create a unique and delicious loaf.

Can I make buckwheat bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can make buckwheat bread in a bread machine by following the manufacturer's instructions for gluten-free bread recipes. Simply add the ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order specified, select the gluten-free setting, and let the machine do the work.

For how long can leftover buckwheat bread be kept fresh?

Allow your homemade buckwheat bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer-term storage.

More Bread Recipes

If you're looking to cut down on your food costs, making your own bread is a great way to do just that. To help you get inspired, here are our favorite bread recipes:

Instant Pot Gluten Free Bread

Focaccia Bread

Sourdough Rye Bread

Banana Bread Without Butter