How to Make Bread With Spelt and Khorasan: A Simple Ancient Grain Recipe

If you want to start baking with ancient grains, homemade bread is one of the best places to begin. Spelt and Khorasan can both be used for bread, and they can also be combined to create a loaf with a different texture and flavor.

Idaho Ancient Grains has a versatile whole-wheat bread recipe that can use Spelt, Khorasan, hard white wheat, hard red wheat, a combination of grains, or even one grain by itself. The farm also says its favorite combination is Khorasan with Spelt and hard white wheat. citeturn0search7turn0search1

This guide explains how to make the bread, how to work with ancient grain dough, and what to do if you are new to baking with Spelt or Khorasan.

Can You Make Bread With Spelt and Khorasan?

Yes. Both grains can be used for bread, either individually or as part of a blend. Idaho Ancient Grains describes Khorasan as a grain that makes great bread, including baguettes, and says Spelt can also work well in bread and sourdough. citeturn0search1turn0search3

Why Mix Spelt and Khorasan?

Mixing grains gives you another way to control the character of your loaf. Idaho Ancient Grains notes that Spelt can sometimes make bread heavier or denser when used alone, while adding Khorasan can lighten the texture. The farm also says it enjoys mixing Khorasan with Spelt and hard white wheat. citeturn0search3turn0search1

There is no single required ratio. Start with a recipe you know and experiment gradually.

Simple Spelt and Khorasan Bread Recipe

This recipe is based on Idaho Ancient Grains' versatile whole-wheat bread recipe. citeturn0search7

Ingredients

• 1 cup very warm water

• 2 teaspoons SAF instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon dough enhancer

• 1 teaspoon oil

• 1 teaspoon raw honey

• 2 tablespoons instant mashed potato flakes, optional

• 2 tablespoons 7-grain cracked cereal mix, optional

• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed, optional

• 1 1/2 cups whole grain flour, using Spelt, Khorasan, hard white wheat, hard red wheat, or a combination

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Approximately 2/3 to 1 additional cup of flour, added gradually
  

Step 1: Combine the Initial Ingredients

Add the very warm water, instant yeast, dough enhancer, oil and raw honey to a stand mixer or mixing bowl. Add the optional mashed potato flakes, cracked cereal and ground flax seed if you are using them.

Add 1 1/2 cups of whole grain flour and place the salt on top of the flour.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Mix the ingredients together for a few minutes. At this stage, Idaho Ancient Grains notes that the mixture will look more like a thick soup than finished bread dough. citeturn0search7

Step 3: Add More Flour Slowly

Add another 2/3 to 1 cup of flour gradually until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Do not add all the flour at once. Ancient grain dough can behave differently depending on the grain, grind and moisture, so use the dough's consistency as your guide.

Step 4: Do Not Overmix

Continue kneading or mixing for a few minutes, but avoid overmixing. Idaho Ancient Grains specifically advises not to overmix when using ancient grains. citeturn0search7

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Oil or grease your hands and your work surface. Transfer the dough from the mixer to the counter or bread board, then knead and form it into a loaf.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the loaf with a clean, lint-free towel and allow it to rise until it has approximately doubled in size.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350°F for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden. Remove it from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack. citeturn0search7

What If I Want to Use Only Spelt?

You can. Idaho Ancient Grains says Spelt can be substituted into most recipes calling for flour, although it may take minor adjustments and some practice. The farm also says Spelt performs well in sourdough. citeturn0search3

If your first loaf feels heavier than expected, try blending Spelt with Khorasan or another wheat rather than changing several variables at once.

What If I Want to Use Only Khorasan?

You can also make bread with Khorasan by itself. Idaho Ancient Grains says Khorasan makes great bread, even baguettes, when used alone. citeturn0search1

When substituting Khorasan into a favorite recipe, the farm recommends using about 25% less Khorasan flour because it absorbs water readily. citeturn0search1

Why Is My Ancient Grain Bread Dense?

Dense bread does not necessarily mean the grain cannot make good bread. Dough hydration, flour quantity, mixing, fermentation and the grain combination can all affect the final loaf.

Idaho Ancient Grains specifically notes that Spelt can be heavier or denser when used alone and recommends experimenting with grain combinations. citeturn0search3

Avoid adding too much flour too quickly.

Do not overmix the dough.

Give the loaf enough time to rise.

Experiment with a Spelt and Khorasan blend.

Can You Use Freshly Milled Spelt and Khorasan?

Yes. Both grains are sold as whole berries by Idaho Ancient Grains and can be milled into flour. The farm's recipes and product information encourage using the grains in home baking. citeturn0search1turn0search3

If you are milling your own grain, start with a familiar recipe and make small adjustments as you learn how your freshly milled flour behaves.

Can This Bread Dough Be Used for Other Recipes?

Yes. One of the useful features of Idaho Ancient Grains' bread recipe is its versatility. The same dough can be used for pizza crust, fry bread, rolls or cinnamon rolls. citeturn0search7

That means one batch can become several different baked goods instead of requiring a completely different dough for every recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix Spelt and Khorasan in bread?

Yes. Idaho Ancient Grains specifically recommends mixing Khorasan with Spelt and hard white wheat, and its whole-wheat bread recipe allows combinations of grains. citeturn0search1turn0search7

Is Spelt good for bread?

Yes. Spelt can be used for bread and also performs well in sourdough. It may produce a heavier loaf when used alone, so blends can be useful. citeturn0search3

Is Khorasan good for bread?

Yes. Idaho Ancient Grains says Khorasan makes great bread, including baguettes, when used by itself. citeturn0search1

How much Khorasan should I substitute for regular flour?

Idaho Ancient Grains recommends starting with about 25% less Khorasan flour than the amount called for in a regular recipe because Khorasan absorbs water readily. citeturn0search1

Why is my Spelt bread dense?

Spelt can produce a heavier or denser loaf when used alone. Idaho Ancient Grains recommends experimenting with blends such as Spelt and Khorasan. citeturn0search3

Can this bread recipe be used for pizza dough?

Yes. Idaho Ancient Grains says its versatile bread dough can also be used for pizza crust, fry bread, rolls or cinnamon rolls. citeturn0search7

The Bottom Line

Spelt and Khorasan are both practical grains for homemade bread, and you do not have to choose only one. A blend can be a simple way to experiment with flavor and texture while learning how ancient grain dough behaves.

Start with the versatile Idaho Ancient Grains recipe, add flour gradually, avoid overmixing and allow the dough enough time to rise.

Once you are comfortable with the basic loaf, the same dough can become rolls, pizza crust or cinnamon rolls—and you can begin experimenting with freshly milled grain and different Spelt-to-Khorasan combinations.