Bread with potatoes and rye flakes

Potato and Rye Flake Bread – A Fluffy and Aromatic Delicacy

Potato bread is a classic choice, appreciated by many for its light texture and unique flavors. Enriched with rye flakes, this bread recipe becomes truly special. The dough is made using a bread machine, and the final result is a fluffy loaf, perfect for breakfast or to be enjoyed alongside a warm soup. In this step-by-step guide, I will share the secrets to achieving delicious bread, as well as some useful tips for customizing the recipe to your preferences.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour (total)
- Baking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked and mashed potatoes (approximately 100 g)
- 1/2 cup water used for boiling the potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk (or water for a vegan option)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or oil for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups flour (approximately 375 g)
- 50 g rye flakes
- 25 g fresh yeast (or equivalent in dry yeast)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Potatoes:
Start by boiling diced potatoes in salted water. They should be completely cooked to achieve a smooth mash. Once boiled, drain the water and mash them well with a fork or potato masher. Let them cool to room temperature.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In the bowl of the bread machine, first add the liquid ingredients: the water used for boiling the potatoes, milk, and melted butter. Then, add the mashed potatoes. If you want a vegan option, you can replace the milk with water and the butter with olive oil.

3. Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the sugar, salt, flour, and rye flakes. Finally, crumble the yeast cube and add it to the mixture, ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the salt, as the latter can inhibit the yeast's activity.

4. Mixing and Rising:
Set the bread machine to the kneading and rising program (approximately 1 hour). It will do all the hard work for you, ensuring the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Shaping the Loaf:
Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knead it gently for a few minutes on a floured surface. Shape it into your desired loaf. You can choose a classic shape or a more innovative one, depending on your preferences.

6. Second Rising:
Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes. This step will allow the dough to rise even more, giving it a fluffy texture.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius. Bake the loaf for 10 minutes at this temperature, then reduce the temperature to 200 degrees and continue baking for another 25 minutes or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

8. Cooling:
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is essential to prevent a soggy crust.

Serving and Variations

Potato and rye flake bread is perfect served warm, spread with butter or alongside fruit jams. You can also use it for delicious sandwiches, adding slices of cheese or your favorite cold cuts. Additionally, try serving it with soups or stews for a comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

- With Butter and Herbs: Spread slices of bread with melted butter and sprinkle fresh herbs on top, such as dill or parsley.
- With Cream Cheese: Serve with cream cheese and tomatoes or cucumbers for a savory snack.
- Gourmet Sandwiches: Add roasted meat, mayonnaise, and fresh vegetables for a delicious sandwich.

Nutritional Benefits

This bread is not only delicious but also offers numerous nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, and fiber. Rye flakes add extra nutrients, being rich in fiber and protein, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace fresh yeast with dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast to replace the 25 g cube of fresh yeast.

2. How can I keep the bread fresh?
Bread is best stored in an airtight container. You can freeze it to maintain its freshness, slicing it before storing.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! You can make a vegan version by replacing the milk with water and the butter with oil.

Conclusion

Potato and rye flake bread is a fantastic choice for those looking to bring a touch of innovation and flavor to their kitchen. It is a simple recipe but with an impressive result, perfect for both beginners and more experienced cooks. So, don’t hesitate! Grab the ingredients and enjoy warm, fluffy bread that will impress everyone. Bon appétit!