Germany · Europe

Rye Bread

A rye starter kept alive on a feeding schedule, baked into dense Roggenbrot.

German rye sourdoughRoggenbrot

The Chemistry in This Bake

Maintaining a live sourdough starter through regular feedings to keep it active for baking.

Learn the full technique →

Ingredients

  • Dark rye flour
  • Whole rye flour
  • Active rye sourdough starter
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Caraway seeds (optional)

Method

  1. Feed the rye starter daily until it is vigorously active.

  2. Build the final levain from the starter 8-12 hours before mixing.

  3. Mix rye flours, water, levain, and salt into a sticky dough; rye needs little kneading.

  4. Bulk ferment 3-4 hours with gentle folds.

  5. Shape into an oval and proof overnight in the refrigerator.

  6. Bake with steam at 240 °C, reducing heat, for 50-60 minutes; rest a full day before slicing.