Vegetable Bread Recipe Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Ideas

Bread is a comforting staple in many kitchens worldwide, and when you combine it with fresh, wholesome vegetables, you get an irresistibly delicious and nutritious treat. This vegetable bread recipe is perfect for those who want to add a healthy twist to traditional bread without compromising on flavor.

Imagine biting into a soft, airy loaf speckled with colorful veggies that add texture, taste, and a burst of freshness to every slice. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying it on its own, this bread will brighten up your meals.

Not only is this bread a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, but it also makes an excellent snack or side dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers looking to experiment with savory flavors.

Ready to bake something both tasty and nutritious? Let’s dive into this vegetable bread recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable bread recipe stands out because it combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables with the comforting texture of homemade bread. It’s versatile, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.

Easy to make: With straightforward ingredients and clear instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe.

Customizable: You can switch up the vegetables and herbs to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Healthy and hearty: Incorporating vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers boosts fiber and vitamins.

Bonus: This bread keeps well and can be frozen for later, making it a convenient and delicious addition to your meal prep.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat for a healthier option)
• 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red, yellow, or green)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for flavor)
• 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Grater (for zucchini and carrot)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment for mixer
• Loaf pan (8×4 inches recommended)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for dough rising)
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Grate the zucchini and carrot. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy bread.
2. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and dried oregano.
4. Combine wet and dry: Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, minced garlic, and the prepared vegetables (zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, and spinach) to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into the greased loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Always squeeze excess moisture from zucchini and other watery vegetables to avoid soggy bread.

Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, add 1/4 cup of grated cheese or 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

You can experiment with different vegetables such as corn kernels, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted garlic for unique flavors. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture.

Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but if you want to enrich the bread, consider adding flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute for binding.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable bread is delightful on its own with a smear of vegan butter or olive oil. You can also use it as a base for sandwiches filled with hummus, roasted veggies, or your favorite cheese substitute.

Toast slices lightly and pair with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a wholesome lunch. It also makes an excellent side for hearty stews or curries, adding a lovely texture and flavor contrast.

For a quick snack, try topping with avocado, tomato slices, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, check out this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to spice up your bread or toppings.

Conclusion

Vegetable bread is a wonderful way to combine the goodness of fresh produce with the comfort of homemade bread. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

The vibrant colors and flavors of the vegetables make each slice a delightful experience, perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier, impress guests, or simply enjoy a delicious homemade loaf, this vegetable bread recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. For more wholesome and creative vegetarian recipes, be sure to explore A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy baking!

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