Hakka-style Spiced Bread

Ingredients

This Hakka-style Spiced Bread takes inspiration from the Swedish Kavring but incorporates Hakka flavors and ingredients. While the original Kavring is a sweet rye bread, this adaptation transforms it into a savory delight by infusing it with Hakka spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Additionally, the use of soy sauce and sesame oil adds a unique Hakka twist to the bread, enhancing its flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Kavring, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) rye flour 1 cup (120g) rye flour
• 1 tablespoon (15g) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon (15g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground star anise 1 teaspoon (5g) ground star anise
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cloves
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rye flour, yeast, salt, sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. 2.
   Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rye flour — Rye flour adds a distinct flavor and texture to the bread. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute half of the rye flour with all-purpose flour.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the bread.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a stronger nutty flavor, or regular sesame oil for a milder taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture, you can sprinkle sesame seeds or caraway seeds on top of the bread before baking.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean and even slices.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Toasting the slices before serving can help revive the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Hakka-style Spiced Bread as a side dish with Hakka-style stir-fries or soups. It also pairs well with spreads like hummus or flavored butter.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, slice the bread into thick slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.