Schwarzbrot, German for “black bread”, is a staple of the German diet. This hearty, dense loaf is made from a mixture of whole grain rye flour and seeds, resulting in a bread that’s packed full of flavor and nutrients. Schwarzbrot is traditionally used in a variety of German dishes and is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, earthy flavor in their bread.
While Schwarzbrot may seem daunting to make, it’s actually a straightforward process if you’re comfortable with basic bread baking techniques. Here is a simple yet traditional Schwarzbrot recipe that can be prepared in your home kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole grain rye flour
- 2 cups of bread flour
- 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup of flax seeds
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of molasses
- 2 cups of warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- Cornmeal for dusting
- Butter for greasing
Instructions:
- Preparation of Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole grain rye flour, bread flour, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cocoa powder, caraway seeds, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and molasses, and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mixing and Kneading: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This dough will be more dense and sticky than traditional wheat doughs.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shaping: Punch down the dough and shape it into a rectangular loaf. Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal and place the loaf on it. Cover with a damp cloth again and let it rise for another hour.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the Schwarzbrot for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is dark and a hollow sound is made when the bottom of the loaf is tapped.
- Cooling: Allow the Schwarzbrot to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the loaf maintain its structure and makes it easier to slice.
And there you have it — a classic recipe for Schwarzbrot, a delightful and robust German bread that will add a new dimension to your baking repertoire. Enjoy it fresh with a generous pat of butter, or use it to make a robust, open-faced sandwich with ham and pickles. However you choose to eat it, this Schwarzbrot recipe will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
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