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Are you looking for a low carb bread recipe that actually tastes like bread? Look no further! This chia almond low carb bread recipe is a perfect everyday grain-free bread that is gluten-free, keto-friendly, and delicious. With a texture just like whole-wheat bread, this recipe can be baked as a loaf or as rolls, making it versatile for any occasion. Plus, it is free from any eggy taste that often accompanies low carb breads.
A Reader Favorite: A Bread That Tastes Great
Sandra, one of the readers who tried this recipe, gave it a five-star rating and raved about how it is the first low carb bread that actually tastes great and resembles real bread. Since its publication in August 2018, this recipe has become a reader favorite, with hundreds of five-star reviews pouring in. It has become one of the most popular recipes on www.harigon.com.au, which is why the post has been updated with step-by-step photos and more details.
The Perfect Low Carb Bread for a Healthy Lifestyle
When following a low carb diet, you may think that bread is off-limits due to its high carbohydrate content. However, with this grain-free, low carb bread recipe, you can still enjoy bread while maintaining your healthy lifestyle. Regular bread made from wheat and other grains contains easily digestible carbohydrates that quickly convert into sugar in the body. This can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a rapid drop in insulin levels, leaving you hungry again.
According to Dr. William Davis, author of “Wheat Belly,” two slices of whole-wheat bread can raise blood sugar levels higher than consuming six teaspoons of table sugar. This eye-opening fact highlights the negative impact that wheat and other grains can have on our health. However, the good news is that there are plenty of bread recipes available that use grain-free flours, which won’t cause the same spike in blood sugar levels. Plus, they taste absolutely delicious!
Key Ingredients for a Delicious and Healthy Bread
Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this low carb bread recipe so special. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in creating a bread-like texture without the need for grains or excess carbohydrates.
Quark – The Secret Ingredient
The secret ingredient in this low carb bread recipe is quark. Quark is a German cooking cheese made by heating soured milk until it curdles. It can be found in larger supermarkets in the UK and Northern Europe, and can be purchased online or in delis/natural food stores in the US.
Why does quark work so well in this recipe? When using almond flour or almond meal, the lack of gluten can result in a crumbly and dry texture. However, the addition of quark provides moisture and creates a wonderfully moist bread-like texture. Additionally, using quark instead of fats like butter or coconut oil makes this recipe lighter and less heavy, while still providing the necessary healthy fats from almond flour or almond meal.
If you have difficulty finding quark, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt. While this may slightly alter the taste, it will still work well in the recipe.
Other Key Ingredients
In addition to quark, this recipe calls for a few other key ingredients:
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature. This helps the bread rise better.
Almond flour and coconut flour: Both almond flour and almond meal work well in this recipe. The addition of coconut flour enhances the bread-like texture and taste.
Psyllium husk: This ingredient provides an extra dose of fiber, which is essential for proper digestion. It adds substance to the bread and contributes to its whole-wheat taste. If you have psyllium powder instead of crushed husks, use only 1 ½ tablespoons instead of the stated 3 tablespoons.
Chia seeds: Use either black or white chia seeds, whichever you prefer. Chia seeds are packed with nutrients and act as a binder in this recipe. This allows for fewer eggs to be used, resulting in a bread with zero eggy taste.
Baking powder, salt, and optional sunflower seeds: These ingredients add flavor and additional texture to the bread. Feel free to substitute the sunflower seeds with sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds if you prefer.
For specific quantities of each ingredient, refer to the recipe card below.
Instructions: How to Make This Delicious Low Carb Bread
Here are the basic steps to make this low carb chia almond bread. For more detailed instructions, refer to the recipe below.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the eggs and quark until smooth.
Add almond flour or ground almonds, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend until fully combined.
Add chia seeds, psyllium husks, and optional sunflower seeds.
Fill the dough into a loaf tin and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the psyllium and chia to absorb the liquid. Sprinkle additional sunflower seeds on top.
Bake the bread for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. It will be fragile while hot and will firm up as it cools.
Expert Tip: The Perfect Loaf Tin Size
For this recipe, a small loaf tin with a volume of 450 ml (18 x 9 cm / 7 x 3.5 inches) is recommended. This smaller size is ideal for low carb breads, as they tend to be extremely filling due to their nutrient density.
Variations: Rolls and Larger Loaf Tins
If you don’t have a small loaf tin or prefer to make rolls instead, you can adapt the recipe accordingly. Allow the dough to rest until the chia seeds and psyllium husks have absorbed all the moisture before attempting to handle the dough. If you prefer an even fluffier and lighter bread, you can separate the eggs and whisk the egg whites until stiff. Fold the egg whites into the batter last.
If using a full-size loaf tin, double the recipe and increase the oven time by approximately 15 minutes.
Storage and Freezing
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bread by pre-slicing it and storing the individual slices in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply pop a slice straight from the freezer into the toaster whenever you’re in the mood for a sandwich.
Try More Keto Bread Recipes
If you enjoy this low carb chia almond bread recipe, be sure to try out more keto bread options. www.harigon.com.au offers a variety of coconut and almond flour bread recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Check out the rustic Paleo bread with seeds, the soft and fluffy flaxseed bread, or the lusciously chewy-crunchy low carb garlic bread. There is something for everyone!
Conclusion
With this low carb chia almond bread recipe, you can enjoy the taste and texture of bread without the guilt of excess carbohydrates. The combination of key ingredients, such as quark, almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, and chia seeds, creates a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bread. Whether you choose to bake it as a loaf or as rolls, this bread is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. Give it a try and discover the joy of a low carb bread that tastes as good as the real thing!