A delightful twist on classic oatmeal bread, this recipe incorporates honey for a touch of natural sweetness and a soft, hearty texture.
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit until foamy.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Combine the boiling water, oats, honey, butter, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Let it cool to lukewarm.
Cooling the mixture prevents the heat from affecting the yeast.
Stir in 1 cup of flour into the oat mixture and mix well.
Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Add the yeast mixture and the beaten egg to the bowl, mixing thoroughly.
Ensure the ingredients are well incorporated for an even dough.
Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Add the flour in small increments to avoid over-drying the dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Use the heel of your hand to stretch and fold the dough for effective kneading.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
Handle the dough gently to retain its structure.
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
The second rise ensures a light and airy texture.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Tap the loaf; a hollow sound indicates it's done.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.