Rye bread with seeds

Rye Flour and Seed Bread – A Delightful Easy-to-Make Treat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked bread? In this recipe, I will show you how to make a delicious, fluffy, and nutritious bread using rye flour and seeds. Rye bread is not only tasty but also adds extra nutrients to your diet, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Rye flour is rich in fiber, protein, and minerals, while the seeds add a crunchy flavor and a source of essential fatty acids.

The history of rye bread is fascinating, with deep roots in the cooking traditions of many cultures. Rye has been cultivated for thousands of years and has been an important food source for communities, especially in colder regions where wheat did not grow as well. Today, this bread maintains its popularity due to its distinctive taste and moist texture.

Ingredients:

- 200 g white flour
- 300 g rye flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- A handful of seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flax)
- 300 ml hot water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soft butter (for greasing)

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the rye flour and seeds are of good quality. You can experiment with different types of seeds, such as sesame or chia, to customize the recipe. It’s important that the water is hot but not boiling, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In the bowl of a food processor, add the 350 g of flour (200 g of white flour and 300 g of rye flour), salt, seeds, and yeast. Attach the dough hook and set the processor to speed 2 for 10-15 seconds to mix the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the warm water with honey and olive oil. Gradually pour this mixture into the food processor bowl, allowing it to knead for another 2 minutes at the same speed. It’s important to add the liquid gradually to allow the yeast to activate properly.

Step 4: Kneading the Dough
If necessary, add the remaining flour (it can be a little more or less, depending on the humidity in the air) and knead the dough for another minute. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If you feel it’s too wet, you can add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 5: Shaping the Bread
Once the dough has been kneaded, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place this ball in a greased baking pan. Slightly flatten the dough and spread butter on top. Sprinkle additional seeds on top for an attractive appearance and a crunchy texture.

Step 6: Rising the Dough
Let the bread rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for about 40 minutes. This process is essential for achieving a fluffy bread.

Step 7: Baking the Bread
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. This is a classic method to check if the bread is fully baked.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the bread cool on a rack for a few minutes before slicing. It is recommended to serve it warm, alongside butter or fresh cheese. This bread is ideal for a healthy breakfast or as an appetizer.

Helpful Tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add spices like dill or cumin to the dough.
- Rye bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap or in a paper bag for a few days.
- You can freeze slices of bread to have them handy later.

Delicious Combinations:
This rye flour bread pairs perfectly with warm soups, salads, or can be enjoyed alongside a glass of red wine. You can also try serving it with fruit jam or honey for a comforting breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use only rye flour?
Yes, but the bread will be denser. It is recommended to use a combination of white flour and rye flour to achieve a fluffier texture.
2. What seeds can I use?
You can use any type of seeds you prefer. Pumpkin, sunflower, and flax are excellent, but you can experiment with sesame or chia seeds.
3. How can I tell if the bread is baked?
The bread is baked when it turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Another method is to use a kitchen thermometer; the inside of the bread should be between 90-95°C.

In conclusion, this rye flour and seed bread recipe is not only simple but also a healthy and delicious choice. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and enjoy its wonderful aroma. Cooking is an art form, so don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe!