Grätzer Sourdough Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups rye flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or baking stone
- Kitchen scale
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap or cloth towel
- Oven thermometer

Step-by-step instructions:
a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, bread flour, salt, and caraway seeds (if using).
b. Add the active sourdough starter and warm water to the bowl, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
c. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a cloth towel, and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
d. After the resting period, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or baking stone inside to heat up.
e. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
f. Carefully transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven or baking stone, and score the top with a sharp knife or razor blade.
g. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or use a large oven-safe bowl to cover the bread, and bake for 30 minutes.
h. Remove the lid or cover, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
i. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 12-24 hours resting time)
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150 per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf)
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use all rye flour instead of a mix of rye and bread flour.
- Caraway seeds can be omitted or replaced with other seeds or herbs.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or cheese to the dough before baking.
- Use different types of flour, such as spelt or whole wheat.
- Experiment with different sourdough starters for unique flavors.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately.
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe.
- If you don't have a Dutch oven or baking stone, you can use a regular baking sheet or loaf pan, but the crust may not be as crispy.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a cloth towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and place it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bread sliced with butter or your favorite spread.
- Use the bread to make sandwiches or toast.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the top of the bread with extra caraway seeds or sea salt before baking.

Pairings:
- Grätzer Sourdough Bread pairs well with soups, stews, and salads.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the bread with a side of pickles or sauerkraut.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.
- If the bread is not rising enough, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure all ingredients and equipment are clean and sanitized before using.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the bread is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 190°F (88°C).

Food history:
- Grätzer Sourdough Bread is a traditional Polish bread made with rye flour and sourdough starter.

Flavor profiles:
- Grätzer Sourdough Bread has a tangy and slightly sour flavor, with hints of caraway seeds.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bread warm or at room temperature, sliced or torn into pieces.

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Region: Polish

Taste: Tangy, Sour, Nutty, Earthy, Yeasty