Rye Bread Recipe
Description: The making of this bread involves a lot of time waiting for the dough to sour and ferment, but it gives a satisfying feeling to make your own rye bread. This recipe yields two delicious loaves of European-style rye bread, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Grains, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kosher, Weeknight, Oven
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1709.5
- Fat Content: 6.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5280.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 364.3g
- Fiber Content: 34.9g
- Sugar Content: 24.4g
- Protein Content: 52.3g
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry yeast | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Rye flour | 4 1/2 cups |
| Water | 4-6 cups |
| White flour | 3 cups |
| Salt | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Water | 1 1/2 cups |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Egg white (for brushing) | 1 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sourdough Starter:
- Mix 1/4 cup of rye flour with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, enough to make a stiff paste, in a 1-quart saucepan.
- Cover tightly and leave for 24 hours in a warm, quiet corner of the kitchen. It will be sour and fermented when you uncover it.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and 1/4 cup of rye flour. Stir until smooth.
- Cover the pan and let it stand for another 24 hours.
-
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Dissolve the dry yeast in 1/2 cup of water.
- Stir in the sugar and enough flour to make a smooth mixture.
- Cover and let it rise until bubbly and doubled in volume.
-
Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining 4 cups of rye flour, the white flour, and salt.
- Add the sourdough and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and work into a stiff dough.
- Mix in 1 1/2 cups of water and honey.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead thoroughly.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
-
Shape the Loaves:
- Punch down the risen dough and knead it into a smooth ball.
- Cut the dough in half and knead each half into a smooth round loaf.
- Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and let them rise until doubled in size.
-
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the risen loaves with beaten egg white.
- Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade rye bread with your favorite toppings or as a side to soups and salads. This bread is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
