Rye Bread (Rugbrod) The daily bread of Norway.

Rye Bread (Rugbrod)

The daily bread of Norway

1 c. milk 1 package dry yeast 1 tsp. sugar
4 c. rye flour, divided 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. caraway seeks (optional)
1/2 c lukewarm water

Bring milk to boiling and cool to lukewarm.  Pour 1/4 cup into a bowl and sprinkle with the yeast and
sugar.  Stir in 2 tablespoons of the four and let bubble and rise for 15 minutes in a warm place.  Into
another bowl, sift the flour and salt (add caraway seeds if desired).  Add lukewarm water and milk and
work to a fine dough.  Add the yeast mixture and knead on a floured surface for 15 minutes.  Place dough
in a greased bowl and turn dough upside-down.  Cover with waxed paper and a towel and let rise in a
warm place for 45 minutes to an hour.
Knead again, using a little more flour, until there are no cracks.  Shape into two loaves.  Place on a greased
baking sheet and let rise again for 15 minutes.  Dip a pastry brush in milk and brush tops of loaves.  Prick
five holes in each loaf to release air bubbles.  Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.
Note:  Not much wheat is grown in Norway, but rye is grown widely.  Rye flour contains very little gluten, so a bread
made with all rye flour will be very heavy and dense.  Substituting 1 or 2 cups of white flour will result in a lighter loaf.

from Time-Honored Norwegian Recipes, Adapted to The American Kitchen.