I don’t often make pumpernickel bread, but sometimes I crave the hearty flavor. It must have caraway seeds in it, for me! And oh….to be where you are getting the ingredients all on the counter and realize you are out. Off to the store quickly. I wasn’t going to let that stop me.
(What is Caraway Seeds? They are a tiny dried fruit, but they are the size of a fennel seed. They have a citrus and light licorice flavor, which is very delightful. Dried caraway is nearly always used in “seed” form – so whole – as the ground version, it is often overpowering in flavor.)
I used locally grown and milled rye flour in this loaf, which was well worth the extra cost. The flour had a great aroma and texture. I found it recently while shopping at a food co-op on the other side of the water.
The recipe uses honey instead of molasses, and you could swap that in for a deeper-flavored bread. However, I liked the light flavor of honey better, and I think this will be my sweetener of choice for rye bread.
This is a 1½ pound loaf recipe that bakes up lovely in a Zojirushi Bread Machine.
American-Style Pumpernickel Bread (1½ pound loaf)
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups water
- 1½ Tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 1½ tsp caraway seeds
- 3 Tbsp dry milk
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 cup rye flour
- 270 grams all-purpose or bread flour + more as needed (used an additional 60 grams)
- 2½ tsp dry active yeast
Directions:
If using a Zojirushi bread machine, add the listed ingredients, ensuring the yeast is nestled into the flour. Only add the first 270 grams of flour.
Set the machine for a basic loaf.
When the kneading cycle starts, check on the dough and add in enough extra flour so the dough isn’t sticky, and it clears the bread pan while kneading. I used about 60 grams of extra flour.
Once baked, remove it promptly and knock it out. Let it cool on a wire rack before enjoying it.
Store in a plastic or cloth bread bag, and eat within 24 hours for the best taste.
If using a regular bread machine, follow the method for adding the ingredients (including using warm water).
~Sarah