Ingredients:
- 425g whole wheat flour, divided
- 300ml warm water (105°F-110°F)
- 7g instant yeast
- 7g fine sea salt
- 42g honey
- 28g neutral oil or melted butter
- 5ml apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Whisk together 200g of the flour, the warm water, and the yeast in a large bowl. Let this sit for 15 minutes until the surface is bubbly and frothy.
- Stir in the honey, oil, vinegar, and salt. Gradually add the remaining 225g of flour.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes. You are looking for it to become smooth and elastic. Check the texture by stretching a small piece; it should be thin enough to see light through without tearing.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should doubling in size and look pillowy.
- Gently deflate the dough and roll it into a tight cylinder. Place it into your greased loaf pan, seam side down.
- Cover again and let it rise for 35-45 minutes. The dough should climb about one inch above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 30 minutes until the crust is a deep mahogany and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
- If you have a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 190°F. This ensures the center isn't gummy.
- Remove from the pan immediately and cool on a wire rack. Wait at least 1 hour before slicing.