Chleb Prądnicki with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) rye flour 2 cups (250g) rye flour
• 1 cup (125g) bread flour 1 cup (125g) bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) salt 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15g) honey 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
• 1 tablespoon (10g) caraway seeds 1 tablespoon (10g) caraway seeds
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sourdough starter 1/4 cup (60ml) sourdough starter

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 1g (0g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 39g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, bread flour, salt, honey, and caraway seeds.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and sourdough starter until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the sourdough mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a baking stone or a cast-iron skillet on the middle rack.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a piece of parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the loaf onto the preheated baking stone or skillet.
9. 9.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rye flour — Rye flour has a lower gluten content compared to wheat flour, which gives the bread its dense texture. It's important to use rye flour specifically for this recipe to achieve the authentic Chleb Prądnicki taste.
• Sourdough starter — The sourdough starter adds tanginess and helps with the bread's rise. If you don't have a sourdough starter, you can make one by combining equal parts of flour and water and letting it ferment for a few days until bubbly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced caraway flavor, lightly toast the caraway seeds in a dry skillet before adding them to the dough.
• To achieve a crispy crust, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking the bread. The steam created will help develop a crusty exterior.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Chleb Prądnicki with a Twist warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads.

Presentation advice

To showcase the rustic charm of the Chleb Prądnicki with a Twist, present it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket. You can also sprinkle some caraway seeds on top of the loaf for an extra touch of visual appeal.