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Unleavened bread is a great and healthy grain to enjoy. One of the great benefits of unleavened bread is you do not have to worry about potentially chemically treated yeast with toxins that can accumulate in your body. Additionally, like all other breads, unleavened bread is a great source of complex carbohydrates.
For soft, layered unleavened bread, choose wheat flour that has been processed in the East. Commonly known as “Atta“, this wheat flour is processed in a more natural way.
In commercially processed North American wheat flour, steel roller mills separate the endosperm, the bran, and the germ. To make whole wheat flour, the bran is then added back to the flour after milling. This process of separating and re-adding may be the root of some gluten-related issues as our body has a harder time assimilating the grain when its integrity or ‘whole-ness’ is lost to this method of processing. This can be anecdotally observed by studying cultures that eat bread made from flour processed in the traditional way, every day vs. those that consume the other kind. Gluten intolerance is a non-existing issue in the former group.
Also, for this reason unleavened bread turns out hard and difficult to chew. If you use North American wheatflour,you’d have to useall-purpose flour to get soft unleavened bread, you could use whole wheat flour, but its going to be harder and chewy.
On the contrary,when processing the wheat kernel to flour in the East, the grains are first sun dried to harden (and oxidize to get a lighter color flour when ground), then the grain is ground whole on stone grinders. The bran is not separated from the rest of the grain and exists in a more natural state.Using this kind of flour ensures softer, thoroughly digested unleavened bread!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Atta whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup for rolling thebread
- 1-2 tsp. pure oil, optional
- Water, as needed (to knead a soft dough, usually around 3/4 cup)
- Oil or ghee (to brush on bread)
Instructions:
- Add 2 cups of flour to large bowl. If desired, add a small amount of oil, but none is required. Start adding water, little by little. As you add water, mix with yourhandsand bring the dough together. You may needmore or less water,depending on the type of flour.
- Once dough comes together, start gently kneading dough. Keep kneading until dough feels soft and pliable. If it feels hard or tight, add a littlewaterand knead again. If it feels too sticky or soft, add some dry flour and mix.
- Once done, dough should be smooth. Press dough with your fingers, it should leave an impression.Cover dough with a damp cloth for 20 to 30 minutes to help dough absorb moisture.
- After dough has rested, give a quick knead again. Divide dough into 12 equalparts and roll each part into smooth lemon-size balls between both palms.
- Pre-heatMECskillet (MEC’s newest product!) over medium-low heat.Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface (approx.6-7-inch ovals).Cook on skillet for 2 minutes on each side.Apply gheeor oil to both sides of breadimmediately after coming off skillet.Place finished bread in a pan with lid to keep warm, or for storage.Serve!
FAQs
Whole grains have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease . However, it's important to note that many manufacturers label breads “whole wheat” so that they appear healthier, even when they mostly consist of refined flour.
Which is healthier, leavened or unleavened bread? ›
Unleavened bread is a great and healthy grain to enjoy. One of the great benefits of unleavened bread is you do not have to worry about potentially chemically treated yeast with toxins that can accumulate in your body. Additionally, like all other breads, unleavened bread is a great source of complex carbohydrates.
What is the spiritual meaning of unleavened bread? ›
Eastern Christians associate unleavened bread with the Old Testament and allow only for bread with yeast, as a symbol of the New Covenant in Christ's blood.
What are three examples of unleavened bread? ›
Common varieties of unleavened bread include matzo, lavash and tortillas.
Is it OK to eat whole wheat bread everyday? ›
Whole grains provide more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than refined. But overdoing whole wheat bread can add pounds, too. So account for it in your daily calorie budget.
What bread did Jesus eat? ›
Thus many theologians conclude that Christ would have used unleavened bread. St. John, in his rendition of the Gospel, says that the Last Supper took place the night before the feast of Unleavened Bread (cf. Jn 13), and some scholars argue that the bread would have been leavened.
What was unleavened bread made from in the Bible? ›
Round, flat cakes of bread made from flour and water without yeast.
Why did the Hebrews eat unleavened bread? ›
But in their haste to leave Egypt, the Israelites could not let their bread rise and so they brought unleavened bread. This specific dietary requirement is spelled out in Exodus 12:14, “You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread.”
What does God say about unleavened bread? ›
As a reminder of their exodus from Egypt, God commanded; “You must eat unleavened bread for seven days” (Exodus 12:15). God further instructed; “You are to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread . . . throughout your generations as a permanent statute” (v. 17).
Is pita bread unleavened bread? ›
Even though pita bread is a flatbread, it uses a leavening agent, so pita bread is not unleavened.
A tortilla (/tɔːrˈtiːə/, Spanish: [toɾˈtiʝa]) is a thin, circular unleavened flatbread from Mesoamerica originally made from maize hominy meal, and now also from wheat flour.
What is the healthiest flour to make bread with? ›
The healthiest bread flour is 100% whole grain flour. Whole grain flour could be rye, barley, spelt, oat, or wheat flour - the key is that the flour is made from 100% whole grains. Whole grain breads provide essential nutrients that are lacking in bread made from white flour.
Is it healthier to bake with whole wheat flour? ›
Whole wheat flour adds more nutrition, not to mention nutty and tasty flavor, to baked goods and other flour-based recipes. However, this flour can sometimes make the finished product seem drier and produce a coarser texture than using a more refined all-purpose flour.
Is 100% whole wheat bread the healthiest? ›
“Refined flour lacks all of those wonderful nutrients and high-starch foods like white bread can quickly raise your blood sugar levels, putting you at risk for diseases like diabetes,” she says. “That's why you should consider nothing but the best: 100% whole wheat or whole-grain bread.”
What are the pros and cons of whole wheat bread? ›
Pros: It contains a high amount of fibre and is also a better source of minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc. Cons: If you grew up on white bread you may feel that whole wheat has an unpleasant taste. Susie said that breads with added nutrients, such as omega three and calcium, are not worth your money.
