Icelandic black bread
Scandinavian and Icelandic Black Bread, also known as Rye bread, is a traditional bread recipe that has been enjoyed for centuries in Northern Europe. The robust flavor and hearty texture are what make this bread unique and beloved by many. It is a staple in the Nordic diet and a comfort food for many Scandinavians and Icelanders.
This bread is made using a combination of rye flour and wheat flour, offering a range of unique nutritional benefits. Rye flour is incredibly high in fiber, which can help to regulate your digestive system and promote healthy cholesterol levels. Rye flour also contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Wheat flour is an excellent source of protein and fiber, which makes it another nutritious ingredient in this bread recipe.
The dark color of this bread is achieved by the use of molasses, which also adds a depth of sweetness to the recipe. Other key ingredients include caraway seeds, which provide a distinct flavor and aroma, and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness of the molasses.
While this bread is undoubtedly delicious, it can be a bit daunting for those who have never made it before. The perfect loaf requires patience, attention to detail, and proper technique. It is, however, worth the effort, for nothing beats a freshly baked loaf of black bread.
In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to make a delicious and authentic Scandinavian and Icelandic Black Bread. We will provide you with helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time.
One thing to note before you begin: rye flour is different from wheat flour and behaves differently in recipes. It is denser than wheat flour, and the gluten structure is weaker. This means that the dough is sticky and tricky to work with, but don’t let this discourage you! Follow our guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect loaf.
The first step in making this bread is to prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, wheat flour, caraway seeds, and salt. Next, in a separate bowl, mix the molasses with warm water and yeast. Be sure that the water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add it to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let it rest for an hour in a warm, draft-free area. After an hour, knead the dough for 15 minutes, adding extra flour if necessary to achieve a smooth, elastic dough. Shape the dough into a round ball and place it into a greased loaf pan, cover it again with a tea towel, and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and then bake the bread for 60 minutes until it forms a hard crust and sounds hollow when tapped on. Once the bread is cooled, slice it and enjoy with butter, cheese, or any other toppings you prefer.
In conclusion, Scandinavian and Icelandic Black Bread is a classic recipe that stands the test of time. Its wholesome ingredients and hearty texture make it perfect for a range of meal times and snacks. Creating this bread at home requires a bit of effort, but the end result is always worth the wait. Whether you are a seasoned bread maker or a novice in the kitchen, we hope that you will find our recipe helpful and inspiring. Happy baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the rye flour, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, caraway seeds, salt, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix the molasses, buttermilk, and vegetable oil together until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan and smooth out the surface.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optional: Serve with butter and a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Enjoy!