German Seele Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water 350ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
• Coarse salt, for topping Coarse salt, for topping
• 1 tbsp caraway seeds, for topping 1 tbsp caraway seeds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0.1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 0.5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a 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 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 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Shape the dough into an oval shape, about 30cm (12 inches) long.
8. 8.
   Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes on the surface of the dough.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the top of the dough with coarse salt and caraway seeds.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Caraway seeds — Toasting the caraway seeds before using them will enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced caraway flavor, lightly crush the caraway seeds before sprinkling them on top of the bread.
• To achieve a crispy crust, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking the bread.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added variety.

Serving advice

Serve the German Seele bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads. Enjoy it as a snack, alongside soups, or as a side to hearty German dishes.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beautiful golden-brown crust, slice the Seele bread diagonally and arrange the slices on a wooden cutting board. Serve it with a sprinkle of coarse salt and a sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.