Finnish Rye and Prune Bread
A dense, moist, and slightly sweet rye bread, enriched with the deep, fruity flavor of prunes. This bread is a testament to traditional Finnish baking, where rye and dried fruits are often combined for a hearty and satisfying loaf.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Rye flour
- 1 cup Whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 2 tbsp Honey or rye malt syrup
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Prunes(pitted and roughly chopped)
- 0.5 cup Boiling water(for soaking prunes)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the chopped prunes in 0.5 cup of boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until softened. Drain any excess water.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey (or rye malt syrup). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and the soaked prunes. Mix until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Rye dough is naturally sticky, so do not be tempted to add too much extra flour.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes slightly smoother and more cohesive. It will remain sticky.
- 5
Shape the dough into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.
- 6
Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until noticeably puffed up.
- 7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 8
Bake the bread for 60-75 minutes, or until the crust is dark brown and the internal temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C). If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
- 9
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This is crucial for rye bread to set properly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rye flour absorbs liquid differently than wheat flour; the dough will be sticky. Resist adding too much extra flour.
- ✓Allowing the bread to cool completely is essential for the texture and flavor to develop.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can use a sourdough starter in place of some of the yeast and flour.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of caraway seeds for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture.
- Use dried cranberries or figs instead of prunes.