Here’s a simple recipe for traditional German bread, known as Bauernbrot (Farmer’s Bread). This bread is hearty and has a wonderful crust with a soft, flavorful crumb. It’s made with a combination of rye and wheat flour, giving it a distinct taste.
Ingredients:
- 500g (4 cups) rye flour
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose or bread flour
- 650ml (2 ¾ cups) warm water
- 20g (4 tsp) salt
- 10g (2 tsp) sugar
- 7g (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional, for a traditional flavor)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands.
- Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the bread:
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air. Shape it into a round loaf or two smaller loaves.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using, sprinkle the top with caraway seeds and gently press them into the dough.
- Second rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with the kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-60 minutes until it puffs up.
- Preheat the oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place an empty baking tray or a shallow pan on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Bake the bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven on the middle rack. Pour a cup of water into the empty baking tray on the bottom rack to create steam. This helps to form a nice crust.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread has a deep golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool the bread:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your fresh homemade German bread with butter, cheese, or cold cuts!
