Unbelievably Fluffy Chickpea Yeast Bread

Ingredients

For one loaf:

• 4 cups (480g) bread flour
• 3 tablespoons (37g) sugar
• 2 teaspoons (6g) instant yeast
• 1½ teaspoons (9g) salt
• 1 can (15.5 oz/440g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups/255g cooked chickpeas)
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Mix

• In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
• Whisk together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

1. Prepare the Chickpeas

• Drain and thoroughly rinse the chickpeas
• Place in a microwave-safe bowl
• Heat for 60 seconds until hot and slightly mushy

1. Make the Dough

• Add the warm chickpeas and water to the dry ingredients
• Mix at low speed (speed 2) for about 1 minute until combined
• Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the bowl
• Adjust consistency with 1-2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed

1. First Rise

• Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap
• Let rise in a warm place for 80-100 minutes until doubled in size

1. Shape the Loaf

• Turn dough onto a floured surface
• Divide into 4 equal pieces
• Roll each piece into a 6×9 inch rectangle
• Fold into thirds, then roll tightly from the long side
• Pinch ends to seal
• Place all rolls in a greased bread pan

1. Second Rise and Bake

• Let rise for 60-80 minutes until puffy
• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
• Optional: Brush with non-dairy milk mixed with maple syrup
• Bake for 15 minutes
• Cover with foil and bake additional 15 minutes
• Bread is done when internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C)

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 295mg

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients for optimal yeast activation
• The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable – resist adding too much flour
• Create a warm environment for rising by placing the dough in an oven with just the light on
• Test doneness with a thermometer for perfect results every time
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean cuts

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace bread flour with all-purpose flour (texture will be slightly less chewy)
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for savory variations
• Incorporate whole wheat flour (up to 25%) for added nutrition
• Add seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame) for extra crunch