Recipe: Traditional Russian black bread (2024)

Jewish Journal

  • By Julie Bien
  • Published December 8, 2014

[additional-authors]

Julie Bien

December 8, 2014

Nothing tastes as good as fresh-baked bread. Kneading it is also good for anger issues.

  • 1 1/2 cups very warm water (like tap hot before it gets TOO hot)
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 3-4 cups bread flour
  • 1 cup rye flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons softened margarine
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seed
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 egg white
  • kosher salt or any large crystal salt

1. Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water

2. Combine the cider, salt, margarine, molasses, brown sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, and caraway seeds in a large bowl. Add water with yeast and additional cup of warm water. Whisk until well combined.

3. Add rye flour and mix until combined.

4. Add bread flour, one cup at a time, until dough is just dry enough to be handled without sticking to everything.

5. Knead by hand for 10 minutes or so. Take out all your aggression. Roll in a ball and place in a large, lightly oiled bowl (rolling around so the bread is also lightly oiled), cover with a clean towel, and let rise for an hour (or until approx. doubled in size).

6. After the first rise, punch down the dough and form into a round loaf. Place on a non-stick cookie sheet. Score the top with a “star design” to help it rise evenly, and then cover with a towel again and let it rise for another hour.

7. Preheat oven to 350

8. After the dough has finished rising a second time, brush lightly with an egg white and sprinkle with salt.

9. Cook for approx. 35 minutes.Cool slightly. EAT. EAT MORE. OH GOD I'M SO FULL. Fin.

*To get bread dough to rise, it needs to be in a warm (but not hot) environment. What I normally do is turn my oven to 180 degrees, put the dough in it, close the door and then turn the oven off.

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    Recipe: Traditional Russian black bread (2024)

    FAQs

    What is Russian black bread made from? ›

    The primary coloring agents in a traditional black Russian loaf are molasses and dark rye flour. The sour dough turns the rye dark - either from sourdough fermentation or from vinegar as some recipes require.

    What's the difference between pumpernickel and Russian black bread? ›

    Pumpernickel ups the ante by adding molasses, caraway seeds, and rye flour among other ingredients. Russian black bread takes the German pumpernickel to new heights of aroma and depths of flavor than you would believe. When drinking vodka with Russians, you'll have yummy snacks, or zakuski, to accompany each sip.

    What is the history of black bread in Russia? ›

    Borodinsky is a Russian bread, much loved across the former Soviet Union. It's rumored to have first been baked by nuns at a convent, on the very site where Russian and Napoleon's army fought the Battle of Borodino in 1812. Another story has it first appearing on the scene in 1920s Moscow.

    Is Russian black bread healthy? ›

    Rye bread has high amount of fiber, protein and iron, it has a small amount of fat, and has a lower glycemic index, which means it causes a slower increase in blood sugar than white bread after being eaten. This makes rye a healthy option.

    What grain is black bread made from? ›

    German-style pumpernickel, a dark, dense, and close-textured loaf, is made from crushed or ground whole rye grains, usually without wheat flour, baked for long periods at a low temperature in a covered tin.

    What is another name for black bread? ›

    Homemade black bread, often called Pumpernickel, is so hearty and rich in flavor, with different notes and flavors coming through the crunchy crust. The texture is dense but not heavy, just perfect to enjoy with a bowl of soup or a smoked salmon sandwich.

    Why do Russians eat black bread? ›

    Historically, black (rye) bread has been more prevalent than white (wheat) bread in Russia because rye grows better in the colder Russian climes. [ii] While the elite preferred the taste of wheat bread, it was far more expensive and difficult to obtain, and the masses subsisted on black bread.

    What is special about Russian bread? ›

    It is known for its dark color and a distinctive, slightly sour taste. Russian black bread is denser than most Western-style breads, has a nutty and earthy taste and a chewy texture. It is often made with a sourdough starter, which contributes to the bread's unique taste and texture.

    What is the healthiest bread to eat? ›

    Here are our top 7 choices for wholesome, nutrient-dense breads.
    1. Sprouted whole grain. Sprouted bread is made from whole grains that have started to sprout from exposure to heat and moisture. ...
    2. Sourdough. ...
    3. 100% whole wheat. ...
    4. Oat bread. ...
    5. Flax bread. ...
    6. 100% sprouted rye bread. ...
    7. Healthy gluten-free bread.

    Why is black bread so good? ›

    Black bread is better than white bread. This is because rye bread has many nutritional advantages. Black bread is rich in fiber, and this fiber is removed from white bread during mechanical refining. Fiber controls blood sugar levels, normalizes bowel movements, and also helps lower cholesterol.

    How do you eat black bread? ›

    This black rye bread has a delicious sweet-and-sour flavor with citrus and licorice notes. It's soft, chewy, and wonderfully dense -- perfect to eat solo, with butter or cheese, alongside soups or as part of a delicious sandwich.

    What is the name of the Russian black bread? ›

    Borodinsky bread (Russian: бородинский хлеб borodinskiy khleb) or borodino bread is a dark brown sourdough rye bread of Russian origin, traditionally sweetened with molasses and flavored with coriander and caraway seeds.

    Is King Arthur flour from Russia? ›

    King Arthur Flour was founded in Boston, MA in 1790 and remained there until Frank and Brinna Sands moved the company to Norwich, VT in 1984.

    What is the most popular bread in Russia? ›

    Rye bread is one of the most popular types of bread in Russia, while white bread is still considered by many to be a bread for special occasions – even in the 21st century.

    What is Russian bread made of? ›

    Borodinsky bread has been traditionally made (with the definite recipe fixed by a ГОСТ 5309-50 standard) from a mixture of no less than 80% by weight of a whole-grain rye flour with about 15% of a second-grade wheat flour and about 5% of rye, or rarely, barley malt, often leavened by a separately prepared starter ...

    What is a black Russian bagel made of? ›

    Black Russian bagels are made from pumpernickel dough and covered in the classic everything seasoning blend. The pumpernickel offers a sweet and sour taste complemented by garlic, onions, poppy seeds, and sesame. This bagel has the classic chewy texture and pairs great with ham and cream cheese.

    Is black bread healthy? ›

    The germ and bran of rye bread are rich in minerals and vitamins. White bread often has multivitamins that the body cannot fully absorb. Furthermore, white bread may have preservatives and added sugar. Black bread is healthier than white bread because it has fiber in it.

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