Nordic Nut & Seed Bread

Nordic Nut and Seed bread is a rustic, hearty bread made with simple, versatile ingredients. It has a delicious, nutty flavor, a satisfying crunch from the assortment of nuts and seeds, and it’s full of nutritious ingredients. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and offers endless opportunities for customization!

Health Benefits of Nordic Nut and Seed Bread

Nordic nut and seed bread, also called stone age bread, is paleo, keto, gluten-free and low-carb. It’s easy to make, customizable, and has many nutritional benefits.

1. Rich in Nutrients: Nordic nut and seed bread contains a diverse range of nuts and seeds, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall well-being.
2. High in Fiber: This bread is rich in dietary fiber due to its combination of nuts and seeds. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Good Source of Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds are known for their high content of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. These fats contribute to heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Nuts: I used a combination of almonds and walnuts, but you can experiment with different types of nuts such as pecans, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts. The choice of nuts can influence the flavor and texture of the bread, so feel free to get creative!
• Seeds: Just like with nuts, you can also have fun experimenting with different types of seeds. Consider trying poppy seeds or hemp seeds, or even various seed combinations. Feel free to substitute one variety for another or even swap out seeds for nuts to create unique variations of the bread.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the bread together and provide structure.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture to the bread, preventing it from becoming dry and crumbly. You can experiment with other types of oils such as coconut oil or avocado oil.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the bread. It helps to balance the flavors and bring out the natural nuttiness and richness of the ingredients.

How to Make Nordic Nut & Seed Bread

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a food processor or blender, pulse the almonds and walnuts until they are coarsely chopped. I usually just chop them by hand, so I don’t have to clean the food processor after I’m done.
• In a large bowl, add the chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and flax seeds. Stir well to combine.

• In a separate, small bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten (I usually use a fork). Add the olive oil and salt to the beaten eggs and mix well.
• Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with nuts and seeds. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.

• Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. You can sprinkle some extra seeds on top if you like.
• Bake for 60 minutes or until golden and firm.
• Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the bread has cooled, slice it into thin or thick slices, whichever you prefer, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use quality ingredients: Because there are so few ingredients in this bread, opt for high-quality nuts, seeds, eggs, and olive oil to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Experiment with nut and seed mixtures: Create unique flavor profiles by experimenting with different combinations of nuts and seeds.

How to Serve

• Add some cheese: Enhance the nutty flavors of Nordic nut and seed bread by serving it with your favorite cheese. Try spreading a creamy layer of cream cheese, tangy goat cheese, or even a slice of Swiss cheese for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
• Avocado toast: Elevate your breakfast or brunch by creating a scrumptious avocado toast. Lightly toast a slice of Nordic nut and seed bread and generously smear it with fresh avocado. Sprinkle some sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
• Jam it up: Embrace the Nordic tradition by topping it with lingonberry jam, known for its tart and sweet flavor. Or try it with your own favorite fruit spreads like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot. The combination of the fruity sweetness and the bread’s nuttiness is simply divine.
• Open-faced toppings: Get creative with open-faced toppings by using it as a base. Top it with some of my Swedish Herring Salad (Gubbröra), Finnish Egg Butter (Munavoi), or some pickled cucumbers, smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill.
• Nut butter: Spread a generous layer of your favorite nut butter, whether it’s almond, peanut, or cashew, on a slice. For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a hint of honey or maple syrup over the nut butter.

Variations

• Dried fruit: Add some dried fruit like apricots, cranberries or raisins to add a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
• Mix in some herbs: Enhance the flavor profile by mixing in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to give the bread a savory twist.
• Change up the nuts and seeds: Experiment with different combinations of nuts and seeds or add different ones to the bread, like pecans, macadamias or poppy seeds.
• Add some spice: Experiment with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to infuse the bread with warm and aromatic flavors.
• Try some citrus: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating zest from citrus fruits like lemon, orange, or lime into the bread dough, giving it a bright and tangy flavor.
• Savory onion and garlic: Infuse the bread with savory notes by incorporating sautéed onions and minced garlic into the dough, creating a flavorful and aromatic loaf.

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