Essene bread is a simple, ancient recipe that dates back to biblical times. This bread is made from just two ingredients, sprouted wheat berries and raisins, creating a naturally sweet and nutritious loaf. It's a perfect option for those looking to enjoy a wholesome, unprocessed bread.
The main ingredient you might not have on hand is sprouted wheat berries. These are whole wheat grains that have been soaked and allowed to sprout, which increases their nutritional value and makes them easier to digest. You can find them at health food stores or online. Raisins are more common and can be found in the dried fruit section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Essene Bread Recipe
Sprouted wheat berries: Whole wheat grains that have been soaked and allowed to sprout, enhancing their nutritional profile and digestibility.
Raisins: Dried grapes that add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When processing the sprouted wheat berries in a food processor, make sure to pulse intermittently to avoid overheating the machine and to achieve a more even texture. This will help the dough form properly without becoming too sticky or too dry.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sprouted wheat berries - Substitute with sprouted spelt berries: Spelt has a similar nutty flavor and texture, making it a great alternative for wheat berries.
sprouted wheat berries - Substitute with sprouted rye berries: Rye berries offer a slightly different flavor profile but still provide the chewy texture needed for the bread.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add a similar sweetness and chewiness to the bread.
raisins - Substitute with dried currants: Currants are smaller but pack a similar sweet punch, making them a good alternative to raisins.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Bread
How to Store / Freeze Your Bread
- Allow the Essene bread to cool completely before storing. This ensures that any residual moisture evaporates, preventing mold growth.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in parchment paper or wax paper. This helps to maintain its moisture and texture.
- Place the wrapped loaf in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will keep the bread fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Store the bread in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a week. The cool temperature will help preserve its freshness.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. Slice the loaf before freezing, so you can easily thaw individual slices as needed.
- To freeze, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or place parchment paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to eat, thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This will bring back the bread's delightful texture and flavor.
- Avoid microwaving the bread, as it can make it rubbery and diminish its natural taste.
- If you notice any signs of mold or off smells, discard the bread immediately to ensure food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Wrap the Essene bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures the bread remains moist and flavorful.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set it to a low temperature, around 275°F. Place the Essene bread directly on the rack or on a small baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-drying.
If you prefer a microwave, wrap the Essene bread in a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This method helps retain moisture, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the bread chewy.
For a more rustic approach, use a stovetop skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the Essene bread in the skillet and cover with a lid. Warm each side for about 2-3 minutes. This method can give the bread a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
If you have a steam oven, this is an excellent method to reheat Essene bread. Set the steam oven to 212°F (100°C) and steam the bread for 5-7 minutes. This method ensures the bread remains moist and fresh.
For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F. Place the Essene bread in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method can give a nice, slightly crispy texture to the exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Lastly, if you have a dehydrator, you can reheat the Essene bread at 115°F for about 30 minutes. This method is gentle and helps maintain the bread’s original texture and flavor.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Food processor: Used to process the sprouted wheat berries until a dough forms.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the processed wheat berry dough with the raisins.
Dehydrator: Used to dehydrate the shaped dough at 115°F until firm.
Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the food processor and to help mix the dough.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the 2 cups of sprouted wheat berries and 1 cup of raisins.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the dehydrator tray to prevent sticking.
Dehydrator tray: The tray where you place the shaped dough for dehydrating.
How to Save Time on Making This Bread
Use pre-sprouted wheat berries: Purchase pre-sprouted wheat berries to skip the sprouting process and save time.
Batch processing: Process larger quantities of sprouted wheat berries and raisins at once, then freeze portions for future use.
Quick mix-in: Use a stand mixer to quickly and evenly incorporate the raisins into the dough.
Shape efficiently: Shape the dough into multiple smaller loaves to reduce dehydration time.
Dehydrator prep: Preheat your dehydrator to 115°F before placing the dough inside to ensure even and faster dehydration.
Essene Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups wheat berries sprouted
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- 1. Process the sprouted wheat berries in a food processor until a dough forms.
- 2. Mix in the raisins.
- 3. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a dehydrator.
- 4. Dehydrate at 115°F for about 4 hours or until firm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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