How to Make a Nutritious Zero-Waste Loaf from Pantry Staples
Transform leftover grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit into a delicious, nutrient-packed sourdough loaf with this simple zero-waste recipe. Perfect for reducing food waste while enjoying wholesome homemade bread.
Why This Recipe Works
This versatile loaf helps you use up pantry ingredients before they expire while delivering:
- Nutritional boost: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Waste reduction: Uses ingredients that might otherwise be discarded
- Customizable: Adapt to whatever grains, nuts or dried fruit you have
- Great texture: Combines chewiness from grains with crunch from seeds
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe is incredibly flexible - use what you have! Here are suggested ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
- 500g strong bread flour (or mix of wholemeal and white)
- 300ml water
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 10g salt
Add-Ins (about 200g total):
- Cooked grains (rice, quinoa, barley)
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
- Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax)
- Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Dough
Mix flour, water, and starter in a large bowl. Let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). Add salt and knead until elastic (about 10 minutes).
2. Incorporate Add-Ins
Gently fold in your combination of grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit until evenly distributed.
3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
Cover and let rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours with periodic stretches and folds every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours.
4. Shape and Final Proof
Shape into a round or oval and place in a floured banneton. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours (cold proofing develops flavor).
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat Dutch oven to 475°F (245°C). Score dough, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 25 minutes until deep golden brown.
Tips for Best Results
- Toast nuts and seeds first for enhanced flavor
- Chop larger ingredients for even distribution
- Adjust hydration based on your flour and add-ins
- Let cool completely before slicing
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store wrapped in linen at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze sliced portions for up to 3 months. Serve with:
- Nut butters for breakfast
- Cheese boards with honey
- Heartwarming soups and stews
This zero-waste bread recipe helps reduce food waste while creating a nutritious, flavorful loaf packed with texture and nutrition from pantry staples you likely already have.
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