Rounds of Ruis

Inspired by traditional Finnish sourdough rye breads (but not by the days-long process of creating sourdough starters), this compromise maintains good focus on organic rye flour, creating low-rise rounds with hearty texture and flavors. The detailed steps promote leavening of the low-gluten rye flour.

Rounds of Ruis

Proof (40 min):

2 cups warm water,
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast,
1/4 cup dark brown sugar;

whisk to combine then add:
1 1/4 cups organic rye flour,
2/3 cup bread flour;

whisk to combine then add:
egg white of one xlg egg;

whisk vigorously then cover and set in a warm place 30 min.

Combine: (5 min.)

2 1/4 cups organic rye flour,
2 tbsp natural cocoa powder,
1 tsp salt; then set aside.

Add to completed Proof: (10 min.)

1 tsp active dry yeast;
stir vigorously, then add: 1 tbsp virgin olive oil;
stir vigorously, then add: rye flour mixture;
stir to combine then knead 5 min. with a wooden spoon.

Prepare dough: (40 min.)

Firmly press dough* into 9 balls, lightly coating each with rye flour;

place evenly on floured baking sheet; lightly cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place 30 min.

Remove cover and bake 50 min. at 350 degrees.

Notes:

1) Molasses can be substituted for brown sugar (decrease water to balance the extra liquid), especially if this bread will be served with Boston Baked Beans. Increase salt by 1/2 tsp if you’re fond of sodium.

2) Try this dipping sauce: virgin olive oil, oregano, garlic granules,freshly ground black pepper … especially if accompanied by fresh tomato slices, tasty cheeses (or cheese spreads) and slices of red bell pepper.

3) Decrease final rise time to 20 min. to create biscuit-like rounds with more height. Baked rounds may be frozen – wrap one in a paper towel and microwave about 45 seconds to heat.

4) Instead of using a baking sheet, place the rounds of dough side-by-side in a baguette pan (or narrow bread pan) to create an easy-to-slice loaf.

You might enjoy these variations:

Mini Rounds of Ruis – A quick & easy adaptation of rye flat bread recipes, permitting assembly of ingredients in a large measuring cup.

Southwestern Mini-Mounds – An adaptation of the Mini-Mounds of Ruis bread recipe, substituting spelt flour and southwestern spices but maintaining quick bread convenience.