Sourdough Pumpernickel Bread Recipe

sourdough pumpernickel bread recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful bread to elevate your sandwiches or morning toast? Look no further than this sourdough pumpernickel bread recipe. With its rich, deep flavor and chewy texture, this bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Sourdough pumpernickel bread is a classic German bread that gets its distinctive taste from a combination of rye flour, sourdough starter, and dark molasses. The result is a loaf that is robust, slightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with savory or sweet toppings. This recipe takes a bit of time and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort.

Sourdough Pumpernickel Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 cup rye flour
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 tablespoons dark molasses
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

Instructions Step by Step:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, bread flour, sourdough starter, and warm water.
2. Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms, then cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add the dark molasses, caraway seeds, salt, and instant yeast to the dough, then knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise for 2 hours at room temperature.
5. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 1-2 hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips:

Looking to switch things up? Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough for a twist on this classic recipe. For storage, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer shelf life. Enjoy slices of this sourdough pumpernickel bread toasted with butter or topped with your favorite sandwich fixings.

In conclusion, this sourdough pumpernickel bread recipe is a delicious way to bring a taste of Germany into your kitchen. With its complex flavors and chewy texture, this bread is a versatile addition to any meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade bread baking.