1 ¼ cup water, divided
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ¼ teaspoons active-dry yeast (1 envelope)
1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup rye flour
2 teaspoons coarse salt
¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup flaxseed
2 tablespoon raw sunflower seeds
1 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water , beaten for egg wash (optional)
Additional rolled oats, for sprinkling (optional)
Soak the bulgur wheat in ¼ cup warm water for 30 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup water, honey, and butter. Place over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes (to about 120-130°F). Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast, whole wheat flour, rye flour, and salt. Pour in the warm water mixture and mix until combined. Add the rolled oats, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and soaked bulger wheat and mix until combined. Add the all-purpose flour a few tablespoons at a time until the dough clears the bowl (you may not use all 1 ½ cups of the flour). Continue kneading in the mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 3-4 minutes. This dough is heavier than many bread dough, but you should be able to pull it a bit without it immediately breaking. Gather dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place. Let rise until doubled and it doesn’t bounce back when pressed, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and knead a few times until smooth. Let rest for about 5 minutes. Place dough in a dutch oven or large pot lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with rolled oats. Use a sharp knife to slice 3 cuts into the top of the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F and place oven rack in the center of the oven (or lower if necessary to fit the pot). When ready to bake, cover the dutch oven with a lid and place in the oven. Turn the oven temp down to 400°F and bake for about 45 minutes, until the top of the bread is golden brown. Let bread cool before slicing. It is best enjoyed the day it is baked, but will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.