Kuzhenitsa
Belarusian Rye Bread
A dense, hearty, and slightly sour rye bread, characteristic of Belarusian cuisine. It often incorporates ingredients like mashed potatoes and caraway seeds, contributing to its unique texture and flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Rye flour(whole rye or white rye)
- 250 g Bread flour(strong white bread flour)
- 350 ml Water(lukewarm)
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 10 g Salt
- 100 g Mashed potato(plain, cooked and mashed)
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 15 g Fermented rye malt(powdered (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor))
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(for greasing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water with the yeast and a pinch of sugar (if using). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, bread flour, salt, mashed potato, caraway seeds, and fermented rye malt (if using).
- 3
Add the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Rye dough can be sticky; add a little more flour if necessary, but avoid making it too stiff.
- 5
Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 6
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a floured tea towel.
- 7
Cover the loaf again and let it rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until it has visibly increased in size.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 9
Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 10
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Rye bread benefits from cooling for at least a few hours, or even overnight, to develop its full flavor and texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fermented rye malt will give the bread a more authentic, complex flavor.
- ✓Don't over-knead rye dough, as it can become tough.
- ✓Allowing the bread to cool completely is crucial for its texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of molasses or honey to the dough for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate other seeds like flaxseed or sunflower seeds into the dough.