Crispy bread

Crispy Rye Bread Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Crispy rye bread is a delicious and nutritious treat, perfect to serve alongside soups, salads, or even as a simple snack. With a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful crumb, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites. Follow the detailed steps below to achieve the perfect homemade bread.

### Ingredients:
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 585 g rye flour
- 100 g soft butter
- 35 g rye flour (for dusting)
- 105 g white flour

### Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by crumbling the fresh yeast into a small bowl. Add 100 ml of lukewarm milk and mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. It is important that the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam, indicating that the yeast is active.

### Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the rye flour and salt. Add the dissolved yeast mixture and the remaining lukewarm milk. Start mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon, then add the soft butter cut into cubes. Continue mixing until the ingredients combine and you obtain a wet dough.

### Step 3: Kneading the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. You can gradually add white flour or rye flour if the dough is too sticky. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten, which will give the bread a better texture.

### Step 4: Proofing the dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. A useful method is to preheat your oven to 50°C, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.

### Step 5: Shaping the bread
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and gently knead it to release air. Shape it into an oval or round form, depending on your preference. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let it rise again, covered, for 30 minutes.

### Step 6: Baking the bread
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Before placing the bread in the oven, you can make a few light cuts on its surface with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes, or until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

### Step 7: Cooling and serving
After the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It is important to let it cool completely to maintain its crispy texture. You can serve it plain or with butter and jam, or alongside cheeses and cold cuts.

### Suggestions and variations
If you want to personalize this recipe, you can add sunflower seeds, sesame, or caraway seeds to the dough for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or spelt flour. Crispy rye bread is delicious and pairs well with various toppings, so feel free to be creative!

Enjoy the final result – a crispy, flavorful, and healthy bread that will surely impress anyone who tastes it!