Making bread takes time especially when you consider the convenience of buying bread. Here is the thing, once you muster the technique, store bought bread will taste bland. With homemade bread you are able to incorporate the things that you like and leave out the things that you do not like. It also makes me feel like I have super powers, I don’t know why but making bread is the most satisfying thing for me to do.
Last week I decided to try something different. Rye bread. I don’t remember ever buying rye bread before so I did not know if I would like it. OMG, I love the flavour! It is so different and makes the yummiest sandwiches.
Rye has a lot less gluten compared to regular wheat so you have to mix with regular bread flour. As soon as you open the packaging for this flour, you can smell its goodness. If you have ever had chimodho made with the milled wheat flour in Zimbabwe or chingwa chegorosi, you will live this bread!
This was also my first time using caraway seeds. I have to say
- Caraway seeds are expensive, not saffron expensive but still not something I would buy on a regular basis.
- They taste like a cross between fennel seeds and anise seeds and pop in your mouth.
- I love them!
This is the recipe I used to make the bread
Rye Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cup bread flour
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 teaspoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
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Mix bread flour, water, honey and yeast in a bowl. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes until a smooth batter and you can feel the gluten forming.
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Let the bowl sit for 1 hour in a warm place.
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To the sponge, add salt and rye flour and start kneading. Add in the oil, caraway seeds, molasses, and water and continue to knead for 10 minutes. Check the dough to see if it needs more flour or water. Add more water if needed. .
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Knead for another 5 to 8 minutes. The dough should not break immediately when a small portion is pulled out.
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Shape the dough into a fat 9 by 5 rectangle. Fold on the longer side like a jelly roll. Seal by pinching. Place in the parchment lined or well greased bread pan (9 by 5 inch). Spray water on top. Sprinkle caraway seeds. Spray water again. Cover with a towel and let rise for 50 minutes to an hour or until it doubles. Spray water, then spray oil on the top.
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Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
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Remove the bread pan from the oven and brush with butter. Remove the bread from the pan after 5 - 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before slicing with a serrated knife.
