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Hearty Sour Rye Bread
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 0 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Ready In: 0 Minutes
Servings: 12
These loaves of sour rye were everyday fare for Mennonites living on the Russian steppes. They were made with a natural sourdough starter and baked in ovens that were fueled by prairie grasses. In this recipe, yogurt replaces the sourdough starter.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons warm water (100° to 110°)
1 1/4 cups plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 1/4 cups bread flour, divided
1 1/4 cups stone-ground rye flour (such as bob's red mill)
cooking spray
1 tablespoon water
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cover and cook 10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool completely.
2. Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in yogurt, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Add egg; stir well with a whisk.
3. Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Add 2 cups bread flour and rye flour to yeast mixture, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms. Stir in chopped onion. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
4. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.
5. With floured hands, knead dough 5 times. Shape into a round 7-inch loaf. Place loaf on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Make 3 diagonal cuts 1/4-inch deep across top of loaf using a sharp knife.
6. Preheat oven to 350°.
7. Combine 1 tablespoon water and egg yolk; gently brush over dough. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
By RecipeOfHealth.com