Swedish Rye

Name: Swedish Rye
Yield: makes two 1-pound loaves or 1 large loaf
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (7 ounces) water; 2 1/2 tablespoons (1.75 ounces) molasses; 1 tablespoon (.33 ounce) dried orange peel or 1 teaspoon (.17 ounce) orange oil; 1 teaspoon (.11 ounce) ground aniseeds; 1 teaspoon (.11 ounce) ground fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon (.11 ounce) ground cardamom; 1 cup (7 ounces) barm (page 230); 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (5 ounces) white rye flour; 2 1/2 cups (11.25 ounces) unbleached high-gluten, clear, or bread flour; 2 teaspoons (.22 ounce) instant yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons (.38 ounce) salt; 4 1/2 tablespoons (2.25 ounces) firmly packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) shortening, melted and kept warm, or vegetable oil, warmed; Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting; 1 egg white, whisked until frothy, for egg wash (optional)

January 26, 2012

What makes this version of rye different from the more popular German and deli ryes is the use of licorice-flavored aniseeds and fennel seeds, along with orange peel and a touch of cardamom. Nutritionists are now quantifying the therapeutic benefits of orange peel, licorice-flavored spices, and bitters as digestive aids that various traditional cultures have espoused for centuries. By making the bread with a combination of wild-yeast starter and commercial yeast, this formula creates an even more complexly flavored version of the bread than the more customary versions leavened only by commercial yeast. The lactic acid not only conditions the flour, predigesting it to an extent, but it also gives it a longer shelf life and better flavor. Think of this bread as a baked version of anisette.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.