If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful bread that's packed with nutrients, look no further than Dutch rye bread. This bread is dense and chewy, with a deep, nutty flavor that comes from the addition of rye flour. It's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with butter and jam. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of making Dutch rye bread at home, from start to finish.
Ingredients
To make Dutch rye bread, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rye flour
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
Rye Flour
Rye flour is an essential ingredient in Dutch rye bread. It has a distinct, nutty flavor that gives the bread its characteristic taste. You can find rye flour in most grocery stores or online. Look for whole grain rye flour if possible, as it contains more fiber and nutrients than refined rye flour.
Bread Flour
Bread flour is a high-protein flour that gives bread its structure and chewiness. You can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour if necessary, but the bread may be slightly less chewy.
Active Dry Yeast
Active dry yeast is a type of yeast that needs to be activated in warm water before it can be used. It's important to make sure your yeast is fresh and still active, or your bread won't rise properly. You can test your yeast by mixing it with a little warm water and sugar and waiting 5-10 minutes for it to foam.
Honey
Honey is added to the bread to provide a little sweetness and to help feed the yeast. You can substitute sugar or another sweetener if you prefer.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is added to the bread to keep it moist and tender. You can substitute another neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in bread, as it enhances the flavor and helps to regulate the yeast.
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir to combine, then let sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Add the Flours
Add the rye flour, bread flour, vegetable oil, and salt to the mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Rise the Dough
Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and shape it into a ball or a loaf. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or on a greased baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes, until it has puffed up slightly.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8: Score the Dough
Use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the top of the dough in a crosshatch pattern.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Calories and Macronutrients
A slice of Dutch rye bread (1/12th of a loaf) contains approximately 155 calories, 5 grams of protein, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of fat.
Micronutrients
Dutch rye bread is a good source of fiber, with approximately 3 grams per slice. It also contains a variety of micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, and zinc. Rye bread is also lower on the glycemic index than many other types of bread, which means it may be a better choice for people with diabetes or blood sugar issues.
Conclusion
Dutch rye bread is a delicious and nutritious bread that's easy to make at home. With a little patience and some basic ingredients, you can create a hearty and flavorful bread that's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why Dutch rye bread is such a beloved bread around the world.