GERMAN RYE BREAD

German Rye Bread image

"We like this homemade rye so much that I seldom buy bread anymore," writes May Ann Bonk of New Berlin, Wisconsin. "For the past 10 years, I've made this bread for our church bake sales and it always goes quickly."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 4 loaves (8 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
4 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
2 cups rye flour
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons caraway seeds
2 teaspoons salt
7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornmeal
TOPPING:
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 teaspoons caraway seeds

Steps:

In a 4-qt. glass bowl, dissolve yeast in 2 cups warm water; whisk in rye flour until smooth. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Let stand in a warm place for about 4 hours or until batter falls about 1 in. and surface bubble activity is reduced. Stir in the sugar, caraway seeds, salt, 5 cups all-purpose flour and remaining water; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes., Divide dough into four portions. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Shape into four round loaves, about 6 in. each. Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray; sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon cornmeal. Place loaves on pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes., With a sharp knife, make several slashes across the top of each loaf. Brush with egg. Sprinkle each loaf with 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes, rotating pans after 15 minutes, or until browned. Cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 136 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 150mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.