The sourdough starter in this Polish rye bread recipe gives it a delightful tang, but it takes two days to ripen, so plan accordingly. Many people are familiar with white sourdough breads but don't realize some deli ryes are made with a sourdough, too. Rye breads and wheat breads must be lightened with white flour, otherwise they would be too dense. Brushing with egg white before baking gives this bread a nice shine.
SHORTCUT: Instead of making a starter, substitute 1 1/2 cups buttermilk and reduce the water in the recipe from 2 1/2 cups to 3/4 cup.
View this larger image.
Makes 2 loaves Polish Sourdough Rye Bread
SHORTCUT: Instead of making a starter, substitute 1 1/2 cups buttermilk and reduce the water in the recipe from 2 1/2 cups to 3/4 cup.
View this larger image.
Makes 2 loaves Polish Sourdough Rye Bread
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- Sourdough Starter:
- 4 tablespoons medium rye flour
- 3 tablespoons warm milk
- .
- Bread:
- 4 cups medium rye flour
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast (not rapid rise)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
Preparation:
- To make the starter, in a small bowl, mix together the 4 tablespoons rye flour and milk. Cover with plastic and set in a warm place to ripen for two days or until it smells pleasantly sour.
- In a large bowl, combine the rye and white flours, salt, yeast, butter, water and starter. Knead 7 minutes by machine or 10 minutes by hand. Place in a clean, greased bowl, cover with plastic and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough, knead 1 minute and divide in half. Shape each half into a round on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover with oiled plastic and let rise 30 minutes or until almost doubled. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Brush risen rounds with egg white and sprinkle with caraway seeds. Bake 35-40 minutes or until instant-read thermometer registers 190-195 degrees and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
