Finnish Rye Bread Rolls

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) rye flour 500g (4 cups) rye flour
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp active dry yeast 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp dark molasses 2 tbsp dark molasses
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 400ml (1 ¾ cups) warm water 400ml (1 ¾ cups) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the molasses, vegetable oil, and warm water.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round roll.
8. 8.
   Place the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, cover with the kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rye flour — Rye flour tends to absorb more liquid than all-purpose flour, so it's important to gradually add the wet ingredients to achieve the right consistency. Adjust the amount of water if needed.
• Dark molasses — If you prefer a milder sweetness, you can substitute the dark molasses with honey or maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense rye flavor, you can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with additional rye flour.
• To achieve a softer crust, brush the rolls with water before baking.
• These rolls freeze well, so you can make a larger batch and store them for later use.
• Experiment with toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt to add extra flavor and texture.
• Serve the rolls warm with a spread of butter or alongside Finnish cheeses and cold cuts.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish Rye Bread Rolls warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with butter, cheese, or your favorite sandwich fillings.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Finnish Rye Bread Rolls on a rustic wooden platter or a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle some flour on top for an authentic touch. Serve alongside a jar of honey or a selection of Finnish cheeses for an inviting presentation.