Pumpkin and Sunflower Seed Bread

I have been wanting to post this recipe for a hot minute, but I needed to get some more pictures! It took me a while because each time I made a loaf, I just ate it all and forgot about the pictures. So finally, I get to share this yummy bread recipe with all of you! The reason I love this bread so much, besides the fact that it’s vegan, is because of how hearty and dense it is. Fluffy, light bread has its time and place, but this bread is just phenomenal. It can hold its own to pretty much anything, which is totally awesome. I have had it as a side with pretty much every meal imaginable and it’s rocked with all of them. My absolute favorite way to eat this bread: mash an avocado right on top of a slice that has been freshly toasted, top with a little salt and pepper and you will be in heaven. The hubby and I have gotten hooked on just that combination. So try this recipe – it’s awesome!

Ingredients:

• 1 package yeast (0.25 ounces)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/4 cup agave (or honey or other sweetener)
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup ground flax
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds

A couple quick notes. First, this recipe is a very slightly modified version of one I found on AllRecipes.com. Second, flax seed is awesome, but I know most people haven’t heard of it. It’s a great egg substitute, so I use it often for that. It is also high in omega 3 fatty acids, something that is great for your body but also something that is hard to get when on a vegan diet. I add some to my oatmeal in the morning and I absolutely love the stuff. I found mine at a local health/organic store and I figure if they sell it here, they sell it anywhere! Just check out this link with info about it and glance at the nutrients. Having this stuff around is great!

Another couple quick notes. I normally by fresh, raw seeds and toast them, but I’ve used a variety and it has always come out awesome. And as far as the sweetener goes, I’ve used a wide variety on the amount but I think that 1/4 cup is just perfect. I have used 1/3 cup and more, but it makes the bread a little too sweet for my liking. Anything less than 1/4 cup and I’m not a fan of the lack of sweetness! It’s the happy medium that I like, but feel free to play around with it.

All you need to do is throw this stuff in your bread machine in the order your manufactuer suggests and get goin! It makes a 2 pound loaf.

I love this seedy bread. It’s great alone, with butter, with avocado, with any meal… with anything! Looking at these pictures makes me want to go bake another batch right now. I hope you try this delicious pumpkin and sunflower seed bread and absolutely love it!