World Flavors Cookbook

Ruisleipä (Finnish Rye Bread)

Name: Ruisleipä (Finnish Rye Bread)
Cook time: 60 min
Cuisine: Finland
Ingredients: 2 cups rye sourdough starter (leaven) 4 cups rye flour 1 cup warm water 2 tsp salt

Dense, sour, and dark rye bread. A staple of the Finnish diet and a symbol of national identity.

Cuisine: Finland

Ingredients

2 cups rye sourdough starter (leaven) 4 cups rye flour 1 cup warm water 2 tsp salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, and 2 cups of rye flour. Cover and let sit in a warm place for 12-24 hours until bubbly and sour. Add the remaining flour and salt. Knead the dough (rye dough is very sticky, so don't expect it to be like wheat dough). Form into two round, flat loaves or one large loaf. Let rise for another 2-3 hours until cracks appear on the surface. Prick the surface with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 60 minutes. Wrap the finished bread in a thick cloth and let it rest for at least 24 hours before slicing. The flavor improves as it ages.