Ruisohraleipä
Finnish Rye and Barley Bread
Ruisohraleipä is a hearty and rustic Finnish bread made with a combination of rye and barley flours. This dense loaf has a deep, slightly sour flavor characteristic of rye bread, making it a staple accompaniment to many Finnish meals.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 ml Lukewarm water
- 1 packet (approx. 7g) Active dry yeast
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 300 g Rye flour
- 200 g Barley flour
- 100 g Wheat flour(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. - 2
Stir in the salt. Gradually add the rye flour and barley flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smoother and more manageable. The dough will be dense.
💡 Tip: Rye dough can be sticky; use flour on your hands and the surface as needed. - 4
Shape the dough into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 5
Cover the dough loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
- 6
Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
💡 Tip: A hot oven is crucial for a good crust. - 7
Poke a few holes in the top of the loaf with a fork to prevent excessive cracking during baking.
- 8
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is dark brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 9
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
💡 Tip: Cooling allows the crumb to set properly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more authentic flavor, consider using a sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast.
- ✓Barley flour can sometimes be hard to find; check specialty stores or online.
- ✓This bread is excellent toasted and served with butter, cheese, or smoked fish.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add caraway seeds or fennel seeds to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- For a softer crust, brush the loaf with water immediately after baking.
- Experiment with different ratios of rye and barley flour to achieve your preferred texture and flavor.