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Essene Bread
Essene Bread
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Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
165 minutes
Total Time:
3795 minutes
Experience the ancient delight of Essene bread, crafted from sprouted wheat. A labor of love yielding two delicious loaves.
Ingredients:
  • 3 cups wheat berries
  • 3 cups water to cover
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal
Instructions:
  • Prepare the wheat berries by rinsing them well under cool water. Submerge the wheat berries in a large bowl filled with cool water, cover with a plate or cloth, and let them soak at room temperature for about 12 hours to absorb water.
  • Place the drained wheat berries in a colander and cover it with a plate to keep them moist. Store the colander in a dark spot away from sunlight. Rinse the berries three times per day until they start to sprout, which usually takes a couple of days. The sprouts will be ready when they reach about a 1/4 inch in length. Patience is key as the growth rate depends on moisture and temperature.
  • Process sprouted wheat berries in a food mill or food processor until finely ground.
  • Transfer the ground grain onto a clean work surface. Massage and shape the grain for 10 minutes, forming 2 small, round hearth-style loaves by hand. Sprinkle a baking sheet with bran or cornmeal, then place the loaves on top.
  • You can skip preheating the oven. Simply cover the loaves with cloches and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and bake for an additional 2 hours and 15 minutes. Let the breads cool on racks for several hours and store in the refrigerator due to their high moisture content. For optimal taste, slice thinly or break apart by hand.