Ruislimppu (Traditional Finnish Rye Loaf)
Ruislimppu is a dense, dark, and deeply flavorful sourdough rye bread that is a cornerstone of Finnish cuisine. Traditionally baked in large, round loaves, it has a characteristic tangy taste and a long shelf life, making it a practical and nourishing staple. This recipe focuses on a traditional sourdough method, emphasizing the natural fermentation of rye flour, water, and salt.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100 g Active rye sourdough starter(at room temperature)
- 400 ml Lukewarm water
- 700 g Whole grain rye flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1.5 tsp Fine sea salt
- 1 tsp Molasses (optional)(for deeper color and mild sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the active rye sourdough starter with lukewarm water. Stir until the starter is mostly dissolved.
💡 Tip: Ensure your starter is active and bubbly for best results. - 2
Add the molasses (if using) and stir to combine. Gradually add the whole grain rye flour and salt, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a thick, sticky dough forms. Rye dough is naturally tacky and dense due to its low gluten content; avoid over-kneading.
💡 Tip: The dough will be wet and sticky. Resist the urge to add too much extra flour. - 3
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough ferment at room temperature in a warm, draft-free area for 12 to 24 hours. This long fermentation develops the characteristic sour flavor.
💡 Tip: Stir the dough every few hours if possible to aid fermentation. - 4
After the initial fermentation, the dough should look slightly risen and have a more developed aroma. Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf (limppu). If the dough is too sticky, wet your hands slightly.
💡 Tip: Traditional limppu loaves are round and thick. - 5
Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dusted with rye flour. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise for another 1 to 2 hours, or until it looks moderately puffy.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If using a baking stone or Dutch oven, preheat it as well.
💡 Tip: A hot oven is crucial for a good crust. - 7
Bake the Ruislimppu for 45-60 minutes. The bread is done when it has a dark, firm crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using a Dutch oven, bake covered for the first 30 minutes, then uncovered for the remaining time.
💡 Tip: The crust should be very dark, but not burnt. - 8
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This is crucial for the crumb to set properly.
💡 Tip: Allowing the bread to cool for at least 24 hours is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rye flour has very little gluten, so the dough will be sticky and dense. Do not expect it to behave like wheat dough.
- ✓Long fermentation is key to developing the characteristic sour flavor of Finnish rye bread.
- ✓Cooling the bread completely is essential for the texture to set properly. Resist the urge to slice it warm.
🔄 Variations
- For Ruisreikäleipä (rye bread rings), shape the dough into flat rings with a hole in the center before the final proofing and baking.
- Add caraway seeds or aniseed to the dough for added flavor.