German Dark Rye Bread 🍞
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of this German Dark Rye Bread, perfect for satisfying those cravings for hearty, wholesome bread. This recipe not only produces a delectable loaf but also offers a creative twist for those seeking the classic “marbled rye” bread. By combining the dark rye dough with a light rye dough before shaping, you’ll create a beautifully marbled effect, adding visual appeal to your baking repertoire. This bread is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a casual weeknight dinner. With just 90 minutes of prep time, including rising time, you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread without a lengthy wait.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup caraway seeds
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 1/2 cups rye flour
- 2 cups water
- Cooking oil (for brushing)
Instructions:
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, caraway seeds, and active dry yeast.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, heat and stir the molasses, butter, sugar, 2 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of oil until warm (about 110°-115°F).
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Combine Ingredients: Add the warm wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Beat at low speed on an electric mixer for 1 1/2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed. Then beat for an additional 3 minutes at high speed.
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Incorporate Rye Flour: Gradually stir in enough rye flour to make a soft dough. Once mixed, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
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Knead Dough: Knead the dough until smooth, approximately 5 minutes.
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Rest the Dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
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Shape the Loaves: After resting, punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a round or oval loaf on greased baking sheets.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush with Oil: Brush the shaped loaves with a small amount of cooking oil. Use a knife to slash the tops of the loaves.
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Let Rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise until doubled in size, approximately 45-60 minutes.
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Bake: Once risen, bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the loaves from the baking sheets and place them on racks to cool. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked German Dark Rye Bread!
Tips for Marbled Rye:
- If you’d like to create a marbled effect, follow these additional steps:
- Prepare both the light and dark rye doughs separately according to their respective recipes.
- After kneading each dough separately for about 3 minutes, combine them and knead together for an additional minute to create the marbled effect.
- Proceed with the rest of the recipe as stated above.
This German Dark Rye Bread recipe yields 2 loaves of delicious, flavorful bread, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Serve it warm with a spread of butter or use it to make your favorite sandwiches. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home as you indulge in the satisfaction of homemade goodness.
