First, 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, continuing to mix until all lumps are gone. Cover with a dish towel, and let sit for 24 hours at room temperature.
After 24 hours, stir well, cover, and let stand another 24 hours. It will be a thin, light-colored sourdough which is then ready to use.
In a large bowl, stir together the rye flour, remaining 4 cups of all-purpose flour, salt and sugar. Mix in the sourdough starter using a wooden spoon, then stir in 2 cups of warm water. I transfer the dough to a heavy-duty stand mixer to mix the first couple of minutes, then it can't handle the heavy dough and I start using my hands by turning the dough out onto a floured surface. A clean countertop works best. Knead the dough, adding a few tablespoons of water at a time if it is too stiff. Fold the dough over, pull it apart, whatever you can do to get it kneaded up good. Total kneading time should be 15 to 20 minutes to get a smooth dough. Place the dough in a large bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
When the dough has risen, scrape it out of the bowl and back onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes. This is important to activate the gluten. Shape into 1 or 2 long loaves. Place on baking sheets, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until your finger leaves an impression when you poke the bread gently.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bake the bread for about 45 minutes for 2 loaves, 1 1/2 hours if you made one big loaf. Don't worry if the crust is dark. The bread will be delicious and so will the crust. Cool completely before cutting. I always freeze half.
Notes
If you want to make extra starter for the next time, simply add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups water to the sourdough starter on the second day, and whisk smooth. Then let stand at room temperature for 24 hours before next use. Use half, and save the other half for the next time. Let stand for 24 hours, stirring once before using. If freezing, use within 2 weeks.
Humidity and heat play a big role in making this bread. It may not work well if it is to humid and hot outside. In this case I recommend that you make the bread starting at 5am.
FAQs
Anyway, this is a traditional German Bauernbrot — German-style Farmer's Bread. It's a combination of rye, whole wheat and high-gluten bread flour, and a wee combination of some typical bread spices: caraway and fennel seeds, a bit of ground anise and coriander.
What is the best German bread in the world? ›
Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel is a traditional German bread that is known for its dark colour, dense texture, and distinctive flavour. It is made from a mixture of rye flour, whole rye grains, and sometimes a small amount of wheat flour, as well as water, salt, and sometimes molasses or caramel colouring.
What is traditional German bread called? ›
Here is a great recipe for authentic German Sourdough Bread. This bread tastes almost exactly like the bread we buy back home in Bavaria, Germany. There, to this day, they bake their bread in a very old stone oven in the middle of a small village, once every 2 weeks.
Is Vollkornbrot healthy? ›
This bread is a healthy option for those who want to lead a balanced lifestyle while still enjoying delicious food. With 32% whole grain, this bread is a great source of fiber and nutrients.
What do Germans eat with brötchen? ›
for breakfast: you can find fresh bread rolls in every bread basket on German breakfast tables. Germans cut them in half horizontally, smear butter on them, and top them with jams, honey, quark, sliced cheese, or cold cuts. Basically, they eat them as open-faced sandwiches.
How is German bread different from American bread? ›
Bread in Germany, on the other hand, contains less additives and preservatives due to age-old baking traditions, strict food laws and rigorous quality standards for bakers. The USA has liberal laws for the application of pesticides.
Why is German bread so much better? ›
German bread is unlike any other bread known to Europe. It is dark, chewy and dense, composed mainly of whole grains, such as rye, spelt, and millet. Wheat is taking a back-seat compared to other countries, where it is the dominant grain, resulting in lighter, whiter and starchier (and less healthy) bread types.
What bread do Germans eat for breakfast? ›
The top components of a German breakfast include: Brötchen (Bread Rolls) – Fresh, crusty rolls often served with a variety of toppings. Bauernbrot (Farmer's Bread) – Hearty, rustic loaf traditionally made from a mix of rye and wheat flours.
What do Germans call the end of bread? ›
In northern and western Germany, that would be "Kanten," or "Knust," to name just the most common terms. Bavarians and Austrians might call the crusty dry end of a loaf of bread "Scherzl"; elsewhere in southern Germany it's a "Rand." Jokingly, the heel is also known as "Hintern" (behind).
How do you say water in Germany? ›
das Wasser
We got that too.
The traditional way to eat Vollkornbrot is to cut thin slices, no more than a ¼ inch (or 5 mm if you are German). Spread your slice with a hearty smear of butter. If you like, add some thin slices of salted radish or cucumber, cured meats (salami is great), or a favorite cheese.
What is the famous dish of German bakery? ›
Käsekuchen (cheese cake)
Cheese cake may also be famous in New York, but it's a standard favorite in German bakeries - albeit with an entirely different recipe. Here, a German dairy product called Quark is used, which is thicker than yogurt but not as thick or sweet as cream cheese.
What was war bread made of? ›
He describes this as "a farmhouse loaf in New England kitchens for more than 150 years. When white flour was scarce, often in wartime, this blend of rolled oats, cornmeal and whole wheat was added to the flour to make it go farther.
What is Bavarian bread made of? ›
Mix White flour, Dark Rye into a large mixing bowl. Mix dry yeast with 2 teaspoons sugar in separate bowl. Add in ½ cups lukewarm water and mix until the sugar has dissolved. Add yeast mixture to flour mixture in a small indentation in the center of the flour and let sit for 15 minutes covered.
What is pumpernickel flour made from? ›
Pumpernickel bread is usually made with a high proportion of rye flour and a small amount of wheat flour. It's the rye flour however that's of particular interest. Traditional Old World black pumpernickel bread uses coarse rye flour that's ground from the entire rye berry. This flour is sometimes referred to as 'meal'.
