Baker in the Rye

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by Hannah (BitterSweet)
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Few foods can link cultures and cuisines across the globe quite like the humble loaf of bread. A simple concept at heart, made of little more than yeast, flour, and water, the process of transforming dough into a fluffy, leavened loaf is a remarkable feat of science and art, all kneaded into one.

This uniting factor has never been more true, nor more visible, than every 16th of October, when eaters everywhere celebrate World Bread Day. Now in its eighth year running, I’m proud to say that I will have proofed and baked with the best of them for the past seven; a pretty impressive record for someone who periodically neglects their blog for unspeakable stretches of time.

With a hard and fast deadline, the time to act was now, no room for dawdling despite a crazy work schedule. I can’t explain why this date holds quite such importance to me, but participating in the festivities became my top priority. Shaking the light dusting of flour out of my loaf pans and warming up the ice-cold oven, ambition surging through my weary heart after a full day’s work, it was nonetheless the perfect opportunity to tackle something new: Rye bread.

What Makes This Rye Bread Special?

Sure, it’s not the most lovely or universally loved loaf, but rye has a dark, seductive charm all its own. Dense, hearty, and complex, it’s no anonymous sandwich bread, that’s for sure. Flecked with aromatic caraway seeds, the flavoring takes a sharp departure from tradition from there. Root beer, my favorite childhood beverage, adds sweet, woodsy nuances, perfectly paired with the unique character of rye. It won’t beat you over the head with root beer essence- This isn’t isn’t a soda cake, after all- but it’s definitely present in every savory bite.

Rather than merely munch on my new creation, lightly toasted and slathered with buttery spread, I thought it more fitting to dress the thin slices up for the occasion. Decked out for a party of any sort, my rye forms the foundation of bite-sized canapes, topped with a smear of tart, unsweetened Greek-style yogurt and a simple pimento olive tapenade. The salty, sour accompaniments compliment the inherent sweetness of the soda beautifully, without obscuring the flavor of this bold bread.

Happy World Bread Day! Be it a sweet or savory event, here’s hoping it’s nothing but delicious.

Yield: Makes 1 Loaf (10 - 12 Servings)

Root Beer Rye Bread

Root Beer Rye Bread

Dense, hearty, and complex, root beer soda adds sweet, woodsy nuances, perfectly paired with the unique character of rye in this unique loaf.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Additional Time 16 hours
Total Time 17 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 Cups Regular Root Beer Soda (Not Diet), at Room Temperature
  • 1 Teaspoon Root Beer Extract
  • 1 (1/4-Ounce or 2 1/4 Teaspoons) Packet Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 1/2 Cups Rye Flour
  • 2 Cups Bread Flour
  • 2 Tablespoons Flaxseeds, Ground
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Caraway Seeds
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. To begin the dough, measure out the root beer and sprinkle the yeast over the liquid, and let it sit for 5 – 10 minutes, until bubbly and active.
  2. Meanwhile, stir together rye and bread flour, ground flaxseeds, caraway seeds, and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeasted soda and olive oil, and slowly begin to incorporate the liquids into the dry goods. Use the dough hook attachment of your stand mixer to make light work of the job, or be prepared to get your hands in there and get dirty. The resulting dough is very dense, so resist the urge to add more water. Continue to knead the dough for about 10 – 15 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic.
  3. Lightly grease a second bowl, drop the dough in, and cover with plastic wrap. Stash it in the fridge and allow it to sit overnight. It may not rise at all in that time, so don’t stress over the volume at that point.
  4. If the kitchen is fairly warm, let it sit out until it reaches room temperature. Otherwise, use the “proof” setting on your oven to warm it back up.
  5. Lightly grease an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan; set aside.
  6. On a clean, very lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and use your knuckles to gently press it down down into a fairly even rectangle, being careful to keep the width no longer than the length of your loaf pan. Roll up the rectangle as tightly as you can manage. Pinch the seam closed and place the bundle with the seam side down in your prepared loaf pan.
  7. Let the bread rise proof for 2 – 4 hours. That may seem like a lot, but it really does take its sweet time to rise. It won’t balloon up in a big way, but it should reach the top of the loaf pan. At that point, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  8. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until deeply browned all over. Let cool completely before slicing thinly.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 182mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 4g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.

© Hannah Kaminsky
Cuisine: American / Category: Yeast Breads and Rolls

 

24 thoughts on “Baker in the Rye”

  3. Bread is one of my favorite things. Many years ago, I got a bread machine (when they were still relatively new) because I didn’t have the time to do much baking. To wake to a fresh loaf of bread in the morning was one of the most wonderful things in the world. It was a sad day when we couldn’t smell it anymore because we’d become so accustomed to the aroma! Now I’m at a stage where I could start baking again, so I think I will. This would be a lovely place to start, especially right before my next dinner party.

    Just a little something from my grammar roots (and I know hurrying is the reason, but…): “Now in it’s eight year running”–“its eighth year.” :-)

    janet

  6. What an interesting loaf of bread. Looks amazing and very adaptable. We forgive you your time between posts, we all know how busy you are and are just grateful that you occasionally drop us a hug :). Excellent bread and something now penned onto the “To Try” list :)

  7. Hi Hannah;

    Can you make this bread without using 1 1/4-Ounce Packet Active Dry Yeast. Can I use Baking soda instead?

    Reason being is because every time I use any packet Active Dry Yeast my breads never rise. I make Walnut Bread and I use Baking soda and boy does it rise.

    Let me know and yes I would love to try and make this.

    Thank you,

    Alberta Mazur annabelljune1@aol.com

    1. Hi Alberta,

      I’m sorry to say, I really don’t think that this bread would turn out very well without the yeast. Not only does it allow the bread to rise, but it contributes a distinctive flavor that can’t be replaced.

  9. I have a lot of time for rye loaves. It’s so nice to eat bread that’s the star of the show – too often a white loaf slips into the background a bit. Never thought of putting root beer in it though – sounds really interesting!

  11. So fun…I love surprise ingredients and ohgoodgolly root beer is ingenious! You are a crafty baker. ;)
    Rye bread was my favorite toasting bread as a kid…you’ve stirred up memories of Saturday mornings, cartoons and 2 giant pieces of rye bread slathered in butter, crunchysaltyhard on the edges and velvetysoft in the middle. Yummm.

  12. Hello Hannah, I thought this was pumpernickle bread at first but now I realize that dark color must come from the root beer extract. Very fun recipe and I especially love the looks of your appetizers. Simple and yet very delicious. Have a super week. BAM

  14. Haha, we just posted the same thing about “rye bread.” Lovely shot and I love the fact that you used root beer in the recipe…. I can imagine tasting the sweet and malty flavors from the bread. These canapes are super cute…

  16. Hannah, I’m so happy you posted on rye bread! I’ve a packet a rye flour in my kitchen and I’m not sure what to do with it. I like the flavour of rye but it always gives the bread a very dense texture. I’m going to try your recipe out! It does look really gorgeous!

    And while at that, I’ll be sure to make a little tapenade with yogurt to serve alongside this bread. It looks and sounds fantastic!

  17. What a wonderful way to make rye bread. Rye is my mother’s favorite, and I always think of her when I see or smell a loaf. I’ll be making this soon and delivering it to her doorstep. She’ll be thrilled, I know!

  18. Rye bread is probably my favorite but I hardly ever see an artisanal version in the store any more. The root beer is just pure genius. What I wouldn’t give for a slice right now. :-)

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