Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 200 grams chickpea flour
- 200 grams starch of choice (potato starch, cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch recommended)
- 7 grams instant yeast
- 15 grams sugar
- 10 grams salt
- 20 grams psyllium husk
Wet Ingredients
- 300 grams water (at room temperature)
- 12 grams apple cider vinegar (optional, helps the yeast)
Instructions
- Create Psyllium Gel and Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together water, psyllium husk, instant yeast, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes until a gel forms, which will provide structure to the dough. If using dry active yeast, warm water should be used to activate it properly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, chosen starch, and salt until evenly combined. Using a stand or hand mixer is optional, but hand mixing is sufficient and results in fewer dishes.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the psyllium gel mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the dough comes together without any visible flour streaks. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a ball, then transfer onto parchment paper.
- Allow the Dough to Rise: Cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes until it has increased by half in size, but not doubled, to avoid collapse during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: About 15-20 minutes into the rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking dish filled with water on the oven’s bottom rack to create steam and help develop a crisp crust.
- Score the Dough: Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the top of the loaf. This creates controlled steam release points and an attractive pattern during baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf on the middle rack and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Check after 25-30 minutes, and if the crust is getting too dark, cover the loaf loosely with foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool the Bread: Remove from the oven and transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely or until no longer warm to touch before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Using psyllium husk is essential for structure and moisture retention in this gluten-free bread.
- Adjust the starch type depending on availability and preference; potato starch and tapioca starch tend to give a lighter texture.
- Apple cider vinegar is optional but aids yeast activity and improves the bread’s flavor.
- Do not let the dough rise too much to prevent collapse during baking.
- Steam during baking helps create a crispy crust; do not skip placing water in the oven.
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Diet: Vegan