Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup rye flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
- Bread loaf pan
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm water, applesauce, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Add raisins, grated apple, and caraway seeds (if using) to the dough. Mix until well incorporated.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 3-5 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.
8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in the prepared pan.
9. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
1 loaf (12 slices)
Nutritional information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 0.6g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2.5g
Protein: 3.5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in warm water before adding it to the dough.
- Instead of applesauce, you can use mashed ripe bananas or pumpkin puree.
- You can use any dried fruit you like instead of raisins, such as cranberries, apricots, or figs.
- If you don't like caraway seeds, you can omit them or use fennel seeds or anise seeds instead.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for extra crunch.
- Instead of grated apple, you can use grated carrot or zucchini for a vegetable twist.
- You can sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the bread before baking for a warm spice flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water you use for the dough is warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a little more flour until it becomes manageable.
- To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick or a skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing it. This will prevent it from crumbling.
Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Slice it first, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, place it in a toaster or a toaster oven for a few minutes until it's warm and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
- Slice the bread and arrange it on a wooden board or a platter.
- Serve it with butter, jam, or cream cheese on the side.
- Garnish it with fresh apple slices or raisins.
Pairings:
- This bread goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for breakfast or snack time.
- You can also serve it as a side dish for soups, stews, or salads.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
- Creamy soups, such as butternut squash soup or tomato soup.
- Green salads, such as spinach salad or kale salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread doesn't rise, it may be because the yeast is expired or the water was too hot. Make sure to use fresh yeast and warm water.
- If the bread is too dense, it may be because you didn't knead it enough or you used too much flour. Make sure to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, and use only enough flour to prevent it from sticking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all the utensils and surfaces you use for making the bread.
- Check the expiration date of the yeast and make sure it's fresh.
- Store the bread in a clean and dry container to prevent mold growth.
Food history:
- Rye bread is a traditional bread in many European countries, such as Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia.
- Apples and raisins are often used in sweet bread recipes, such as cinnamon raisin bread or apple cinnamon bread.
Flavor profiles:
- This bread has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor from the applesauce and honey, and a chewy texture from the rye flour.
- The raisins add a burst of sweetness, while the caraway seeds (optional) add a subtle earthy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Slice the bread and serve it with your favorite spread, such as butter, jam, or cream cheese.
- Use it as a base for sandwiches, such as turkey and cheese or ham and mustard.
- Toast it and serve it with scrambled eggs or avocado for a hearty breakfast.
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