RUSSIAN POTATO BREAD

Russian Potato Bread image

Provided by Dixie Vader

Time 2h40m

Yield 1 large loaf, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces potatoes (2 small)
2/3 cup potato water
1/4 ounce yeast
3 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon crushed caraway seed (or dill seeds)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter, diced

Steps:

Grease a baking sheet.
Peel and dice your potatoes, then boil them until they're tender. Reserve 2/3 cup of the potato water and discard the rest.
Mash and sieve the potatoes. (I personally just mashed the potatoes until there were no lumps and it turned out fine).
Combine the mashed potatoes and potato water. Let cool to lukewarm.
Meanwhile, combine the flours, yeast, seeds, and salt.
Rub the butter into the flour mixture.
Gradually work the potato gloop into the flour mixture using your hands if neccesary to form a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes. Add more flour as needed to keep your dough from sticking.
Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for approximately 1 hour (or until doubled).
Punch down, then turn out onto a floured surface.
Knead gently for about a minute, then shape into a 7-inch oval loaf.
[NOTE - My 1 large loaf didn't cook all the way through. It might've just been my oven, but you may want to make two smaller loafs instead].
Place on the greased baking sheet and lightly sprinkle with whole wheat flour.
Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
While it's rising, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Using a serrated knife, slash 3-4 diagonal cuts into the top of your dough (criss-cross style).
Bake 25-30 minutes until golden.
Cool on a wire rack, or eat hot.