Authentic German Bread (Bauernbrot)

1. 1

   Make the sourdough starter. Crumble the yeast into a large bowl. Whisk in 1 quart of warm water and 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. The water should be just slightly warmer than body temperature. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of flour, mixing until smooth with no lumps. Cover with a dish towel and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.

2. 2

   After 24 hours, stir well, cover again, and let stand another 24 hours; it will be a thin, light-colored sourdough that is ready to use.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine the rye flour, the remaining 4 cups of all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.

4. 4

   Stir in the sourdough starter with a wooden spoon, then add 2 cups of warm water and stir.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a heavy-duty stand mixer to mix for the first couple of minutes, then when it becomes too heavy, turn it out onto a floured surface and continue by hand; a clean countertop works best.

6. 6

   Knead the dough, adding a few tablespoons of water at a time if it is too stiff; fold the dough over and pull it apart—do whatever helps to knead it well; total kneading time should be 15 to 20 minutes until the dough is smooth.

7. 7

   Place the dough in a large bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.

8. 8

   When the dough has risen, scrape it out of the bowl onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes to activate the gluten.

9. 9

   Shape into 1 or 2 long loaves, place on baking sheets, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until a gentle poke leaves an impression.

10. 10

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

11. 11

    Bake the bread for about 45 minutes for 2 loaves, or 1 1/2 hours if you made one large loaf; do not worry if the crust is dark—the bread and crust will be delicious.

12. 12

    Cool completely before slicing; you can freeze half.

• Calories 388.4 kcal Moderate
• Protein 12.75 g Good Source
• Carbs 81.3 g Moderate
• Total Fat 1.1 g Low Source
• Saturated Fat 0.02 g Low Source
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 0.0 mg Low Source
• Sodium 27.81 mg Low Source
• Fiber 8.81 g Good Source
• Sugar 3.31 g Moderate
• Added Sugar 1.99 g Low Source
• Calcium 22.32 mg Low Source
• Iron 4.37 mg Good Source
• Potassium 209.85 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 1.56 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 6.37 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten