These spelt mini loaves are soft, aromatic, and bursting with flavor. With the addition of walnuts and lemon zest, they gain a distinctive texture and a refreshing citrusy touch. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a companion to tea, these versatile loaves are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
(For 6 mini loaves)
- 350 g spelt flour (Grandma’s Choice) – you can substitute up to 200 g with wholemeal spelt flour
- 40 g ground walnuts or hazelnuts
- 2 eggs
- 50 g cane sugar
- 20 g (½ cube) fresh yeast
- 90 g melted butter
- 100 ml lukewarm whole milk
- Zest of 1 untreated lemon
- Optional: Sliced almonds for topping
Procedure
1. Preparing the sourdough starter:
In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and mix with a few tablespoons of lukewarm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and stir to form a slurry. Leave in a warm place for about 15 minutes until bubbles form. If it doesn’t rise, the yeast might be inactive, and you’ll need to start over.
2. Making the dough:
Sift the flour into a large bowl and create a well in the center. Add the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and lemon zest to the well. Pour in the activated sourdough starter and begin to mix the dough.
3. Kneading the dough:
Gradually add the remaining milk as needed while mixing. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and non-sticky. This should take about 8–10 minutes by hand. Place the dough in a bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
4. Shaping the loaves:
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small disc, then fold the edges underneath to form a smooth, round loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover with a tea towel and let them rise again for 15–20 minutes.
5. Baking the loaves:
Preheat your oven to 170 °C (340 °F). Brush the loaves with beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. To ensure they are fully baked, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. Even if the loaves crack slightly, they will still taste amazing!
Final Tip
These spelt mini loaves are delightful as a sweet treat but also pair wonderfully with soups or cheeses. For a personal twist, try adding dried fruits, cinnamon, or other spices to the dough to suit your preferences.
Bon appétit! 🥖
