Swedish Limpa Bread (Rye and Molasses)

Ingredients

• 240ml (1 cup) warm water
• 7g (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 65g (1/3 cup) molasses
• 45g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest
• 1 tsp ground anise seed
• 1 tsp fennel seed
• 250g (2 cups) rye flour
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base. Add the molasses, melted butter, salt, orange zest, anise seed, and fennel seed to the bowl. Stir well to combine the ingredients, forming a fragrant mixture that will be the heart of your bread’s unique flavor.

Step 3: Form the Dough. Gradually add the rye flour to the mixture, stirring to incorporate. Then, slowly add the all-purpose flour, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to your work surface. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Second Rise and Preheat Oven. Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 7: Bake the Bread. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack.

Allow your freshly baked Swedish Limpa Bread to cool before slicing into it and savoring the perfect blend of sweet, spiced flavors. Enjoy this bread on its own, as a warming accompaniment to soups, or as a robust base for your favorite toppings. Each slice transports you to Scandinavian hearths, echoing a culinary tradition that is both comfortingly rustic and richly flavorful. So embrace the flavors of Sweden and bring a touch of Nordic warmth to your home-baked treats.

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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