Lemon Chia Seed Cornmeal Bread

This might be my next quick bread obsession. Not too sweet, the bold lemony flavor of this cornmeal loaf studded with chia seeds stands up on its own, and lovingly complements a nice cup of hot tea. Or consider serving alongside a spicy curry for a refreshing taste experience. I found it went particularly well with a version of tarka dal I made recently. The meal was a memorable one, and a fine example of the elegance of simplicity.

It's just as pleasing as my Classic Cornbread.

Note: All-purpose flour can be used in place of the pastry flour. For a somewhat lighter bread, the cornmeal can also be replaced with all-purpose flour. Personally, I really like the slight crunch the cornmeal imparts to the bread along with the chia seeds. The loaf turned out to be very moist with a distinctive lemony zing.

Lemon Chia Seed Cornmeal Bread

Recipe by Lisa Turner
Published on November 23, 2016

Moist and delicious lemon and cornmeal loaf with chia seeds

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Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup pastry flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons chia seeds (or poppy seeds)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
a few pinches of sea salt
juice and zest from 2 lemons (1/2 tablespoon zest and 1/2 cup juice)
2/3 cup coconut or brown sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

Line a standard 9 × 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease the pan well. Preheat an oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, combine the flours, cornmeal, chia seeds or poppy seeds, baking powder and soda, turmeric if using, and sea salt.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, apple sauce and olive oil.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the moist ingredients. Stir until just combined. Transfer to the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly golden and a cake tester inserted into the middle of the bread comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before removing. Slice and serve.

Makes 1 9-inch loaf or 8 to 10 slices