Kneippbrød - Norwegian Whole Grain Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) whole grain flour 500g (4 cups) whole grain flour
• 100g (1 cup) rye flour 100g (1 cup) rye flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) sunflower seeds 50g (1/4 cup) sunflower seeds
• 50g (1/4 cup) flaxseeds 50g (1/4 cup) flaxseeds
• 50g (1/4 cup) pumpkin seeds 50g (1/4 cup) pumpkin seeds
• 50g (1/4 cup) sesame seeds 50g (1/4 cup) sesame seeds
• 2 tsp active dry yeast 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 500ml (2 cups) lukewarm water 500ml (2 cups) lukewarm water

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 kJ
• Fat: 7g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole grain flour, rye flour, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, yeast, honey, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whole grain flour — Use a mixture of different whole grain flours like wheat, spelt, and barley for a more complex flavor.
• Rye flour — If you prefer a stronger rye taste, you can increase the amount of rye flour.
• Seeds — Feel free to customize the seed combination according to your preference. Chia seeds or poppy seeds can also be added for extra texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced crust, place a small oven-safe dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
• To enhance the flavor, toast the seeds lightly before adding them to the dough.
• Experiment with different toppings such as oats, sunflower seeds, or coarse salt for added visual appeal.

Serving advice

Serve Kneippbrød warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a variety of spreads like butter, cheese, or jam. Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or as a side to soups and stews.

Presentation advice

Slice the Kneippbrød into thick, rustic slices and arrange them on a wooden cutting board. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs or scatter some additional seeds on top for an appealing presentation.