Ingredients

Method

• 205 g spelt grains (or use 315 g spelt flour)
• 315 g cake flour
• 1 t sumac
• 1 t ground cumin
• 2 t salt
• 1 x 10 g instant yeast sachet
• 310 ml lukewarm water
• 2 T honey
• 4 fresh bay leaves
• For the beetroot hummus:
• 350 g baby beetroot
• 4 T extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 x 400 g chickpeas can, drained
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 3 T olive oil

Method

Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C . Grind the spelt grains in a flour mill, starting on a coarse setting and gradually moving to a finer setting, to create a flour the same consistency as cake flour.Place the spelt flour, cake flour, sumac, cumin, salt and yeast in a mixing bowl. Add the water and honey and gently mix to form a dough.

2. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. Transfer to a oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 90 minutes.

3. Knock down the dough and shape into a ball. Place on a greased baking tray and stud with the bay leaves. Allow to rise for 30 minutes.

4. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the bread forms a crust and sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with the beetroot hummus.

5. To make the beetroot hummus, preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the baby beetroot on a baking tray, drizzle with the olive oil, and season to taste. Roast for 30 minutes, or until tender. Allow to cool, then peel.

6. Place the beetroot in a food processor with the remaining ingredients. Blend to form a chunky hummus. Add more salt if necessary.

Cook's note: Spelt is an ancient wheat used in breads and various bakes. It has a nuttier taste than wholewheat and contains less gluten than ordinary wheat. Find it at health shops such as Wellness Warehouse.

Discover more bread recipes here.