Russian Sweet Bread

Welcome to the delightful world of Russian Sweet Bread! This traditional recipe combines the rich flavors of rye sourdough, caraway seeds, and a touch of spelt flour. With its aromatic taste and hearty texture, this bread is a culinary delight that can be enjoyed on its own or elevated to a satisfying meal with the addition of delectable toppings like salami or cheese.

Preparing this Russian Sweet Bread is a labor of love, beginning with mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough until it reaches a smooth consistency. As the dough rises under a cloth, its flavors develop, creating a wonderful aroma that fills the air. Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it into a large, round loaf and let it rise further until it expands

Makes 1 loaf 

INGREDIENTS:

RYE SOURDOUGH:

• ¾ cup (200 ml) water, room temperature
• 2 cups (200 g) finely ground rye flour
• ½ cup (100 g) grated apple, peeled

BREAD:

• 26½ oz (750 g) rye sourdough starter
• 1¼ cup (300 ml) water, room temperature
• 3½ tsp (20 g) salt
• 1 tbsp (10 g) caraway seeds
• 2½ cups (300 g) wheat flour
• 3 cups (300 g) spelt flour, sifted

TOPPINGS (optional):

• Salami
• Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

RYE SOURDOUGH:

1. Combine the ingredients and let stand for 2–4 days in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in the mornings and evenings.
2. The starter is ready when the mixture starts to bubble. From this point on, all you have to do is “feed” the dough so that it retains its flavor and ability to ferment. If you leave the sourdough in the refrigerator, you should feed it once a week with ½ cup (100 ml) water and 1 cup (100 g) wheat flour. If you keep the sourdough at room temperature, it should be fed every day, in the same manner. The consistency should resemble thick porridge.
3. If you have sourdough left over, you can freeze it in containers that hold half a cup or leave a part of it to dry.

BREAD:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye sourdough starter, water, salt, caraway seeds, wheat flour, and spelt flour. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm area until it doubles in size.
4. After the dough has risen, shape it into a large, round loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet.
5. Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours until it expands further.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (210°C).
7. Before placing the loaf in the oven, sprinkle it with flour to create a rustic look.
8. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
10. If desired, you can serve the Russian Sweet Bread as a meal by adding toppings such as salami or cheese.

Russian Sweet Bread is a versatile treat. Whether you savor it plain or indulge in the culinary adventure of adding your favorite toppings like salami or cheese, this bread is sure to please. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it an excellent choice for a meal in itself or a delightful addition to any gathering.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey of bread-making bliss as you create your very own Russian Sweet Bread. Get ready to experience the joy of savoring every bite of this homemade delicacy!