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Spelt loaf - first attempt

simon3030's picture
simon3030

Spelt loaf - first attempt

Just thought I ought to share this - just made my first spelt loaf , using Dove Farm white spelt flour, and the recipe off the pack - 500g flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp oil, and 300 ml water.

I was surpised how soft the dough was initially, and I think I overkneaded it  - the recipe called for mixing, then leaving for an hour, then a quick knead, shape, and put into the tin, rest for 25 minutes, then bake. When I was kneading it, the dough suddenly went sticky, so I just floured my hands a bit so I could shape it before putting it into the tin; having left it for 25 minutes, it did rise, but was dead flat, looked just like a cake batter.

Anyway, I wasn't able to slash it as it was too soft, but it baked really nicely -

     

I also have some wholemeal spelt from Doves Farm, looking forward to trying that too.

The bread is lovely, really crisp crust, but it does look like cake!

I've noticed that a lot of spelt recipes mix with wheat flour, so I think that's also worth a try..any pointers gratefully received...

 

mwilson's picture
mwilson

Nice. 

Funny enough I've just recently made a couple of white spelt loaves for the first time. I've not really worked with spelt much before and I was surprised how high I could take the hydration keeping a soft but strong dough.

I managed to get up 90% hydration and the dough easily trippled in size before the bake.

I would actually encourage you to knead more if you want it to be less cake like.

white spelt at 80% hydration:
 

Michael