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Swedish Rye Bread

Swedish Rye Bread recipe image
This authentic Swedish Rye Bread is a staple of Scandinavian cuisine, known for its dense texture and deep, earthy flavor. The combination of fine rye flour, dark molasses, and aromatic fennel seeds creates a loaf that is moist, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. It pairs beautifully with cured meats, cheeses, or simply buttered as a side to hearty soups and stews. Unlike lighter wheat breads, this rye loaf keeps well for several days, actually improving in flavor as it sits. It is a vegan-friendly option that requires no special equipment, just patience for the rise and bake. Perfect for holiday tables or everyday comfort, this bread brings a rustic, homemade charm to any meal. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted for a delicious crunch.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1
Calories: 466.2
Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This authentic Swedish Rye Bread is a staple of Scandinavian cuisine, known for its dense texture and deep, earthy flavor. The combination of fine rye flour, dark molasses, and aromatic fennel seeds creates a loaf that is moist, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. It pairs beautifully with cured meats, cheeses, or simply buttered as a side to hearty soups and stews. Unlike lighter wheat breads, this rye loaf keeps well for several days, actually improving in flavor as it sits. It is a vegan-friendly option that requires no special equipment, just patience for the rise and bake. Perfect for holiday tables or everyday comfort, this bread brings a rustic, homemade charm to any meal. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted for a delicious crunch.
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Warm water (105 - 115 F)
  • 1 tablespoon Fennel seed, crushed
  • 3 cups Fine or medium grind rye flour
  • 8 cups Bread flour or all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup Molasses (unsulphured)
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 1/4 cup Firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 envelopes Dry active yeast
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, molasses, brown sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
  2. 2
    Sprinkle the dry yeast over the water mixture and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. 3
    Stir in the crushed fennel seeds and the rye flour. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
  4. 4
    Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will be very sticky; do not add too much flour too quickly.
  5. 5
    Turn the sticky dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky, but not dry. Add only enough flour to prevent sticking to your hands.
  6. 6
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. 7
    Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  8. 8
    Cover the loaf pan loosely with a clean towel. Let rise again for 45-60 minutes, until the dough crests just above the rim of the pan.
  9. 9
    Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
  10. 10
    Bake the bread for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350F (175C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and registers 190F (88C) internally.
  11. 11
    Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 466.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.9g10%
Saturated Fat 1.3g7%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 894.6mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 82.8g28%
Dietary Fiber 9.0g36%
Sugars 5.4g
Protein 15.3g31%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: rye bread, swedish bread, scandinavian, molasses, fennel seed, vegan bread, homemade bread, dense bread, rye flour, traditional recipe, hearty loaf, bread baking, moist rye, scandinavian cuisine, holiday bread, rustic bread, no-knead, classic recipe, comfort food, artisan bread
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/swedish-rye-bread/