Finnish Rye Bread with a Twist

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) rye flour 3 cups (360g) rye flour
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15g) molasses 1 tablespoon (15g) molasses
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cardamom 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon (5g) fennel seeds 1 teaspoon (5g) fennel seeds
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, molasses, cardamom, and fennel seeds.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well 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 in a greased bowl, cover 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 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rye flour — Rye flour can be dense and sticky, so it's important to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and achieve a lighter texture.
• Fennel seeds — Toasting the fennel seeds before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor and aroma.
• Molasses — If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of molasses or substitute it with maple syrup for a vegan version.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crustier bread, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
• To achieve a darker crust, brush the loaf with water before baking.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Toasting slices before serving can revive their texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, or pickled herring for a traditional Finnish twist.
• If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel while it cools.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish Rye Bread with a Twist warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads. For a traditional Finnish experience, serve it alongside a bowl of hearty soup or as part of a smorgasbord with various toppings and accompaniments.

Presentation advice

To showcase the rustic charm of this bread, present it on a wooden cutting board or a traditional Finnish bread basket. You can also sprinkle some fennel seeds or rye flour on top of the loaf for an extra touch of visual appeal.