Swedish Limpa Rye

Ingredients

• 2 cups rye flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
• 1¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp anise seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp fennel seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. 1In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast, let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, orange zest, anise seeds, and fennel seeds.
3. 3Pour the yeast mixture, molasses, and melted butter into the dry ingredients.
4. 4Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
5. 5Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
7. 7Punch down, shape into a round loaf, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. 8Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
9. 9Preheat oven to 375°F.
10. 10Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is deep brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. 11Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.