Good reasons to make seeded rye bread
This seeded rye bread is much easier to make than traditional sourdough versions because it uses dry yeast for a reliable rise. You do not need any special equipment or advanced baking skills to get a great result at home. The seeds provide extra texture and a nutty taste that pairs well with both sweet and savoury toppings. It is a very filling bread that keeps you satisfied for a long time.
Follow these simple steps for seeded rye bread
Mix ingredients: Combine the rye flour, wholemeal flour, yeast, salt and all the seeds in a large bowl. Stir in the lukewarm water and honey until a thick and sticky dough forms. The seeded rye bread dough is much wetter than white bread dough so do not worry about the sticky texture.
First rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for about ninety minutes. The dough should expand and look slightly aerated even though rye does not rise as much as wheat. Line a loaf tin with baking parchment to prevent any sticking during the baking process.
Second rise: Spoon the dough into the prepared tin and smooth the top with the back of a wet spoon. Let it rest for another thirty minutes while you preheat the oven to 200C. This second rest ensures the seeded rye bread has a good structure once it is fully baked.
Bake: Place the tin in the oven and bake for forty five minutes until the crust is dark and firm. Remove the loaf from the tin and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cutting it while it is still hot can make the inside of the bread feel slightly gummy.
Tips and tricks for seeded rye bread
Use warm water to help the yeast activate faster in the heavy flour mixture. You can swap the seeds for poppy seeds or sesame seeds if you prefer different flavours in your loaf. If the crust feels too hard after baking, wrap the cooled bread in a clean tea towel to soften it overnight. This seeded rye bread tastes even better the next day when the flavours have had time to develop. Store the loaf in a paper bag or a bread box to maintain the right texture for several days. To get a cleaner slice, use a sharp serrated bread knife only once the loaf is completely cold.
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turkey with roast potatoes,
pasta with chicken and spinach or
chocolate fondant.