bauernbrot (german farmer's bread)

How To Make bauernbrot (german farmer's bread)

• 1

  DOUGH: Mix flours, oats, salt, caraway and instant yeast together in a large bowl. Add the sour milk, yogurt and sourdough culture and begin mixing, either with an electric mixer or by hand. Mix until dough forms a ball, adding water if needed. The dough should be slightly sticky.
• 2

  Continue kneading, either with the mixer or on a lightly floured board for 5-7 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then knead again for 1 minute. Form into a smooth ball and place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat the top. Cover with a clean dish towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
• 3

  Turn out onto a lightly floured board and form into a typical long loaf as follows: Degas as little as possible. Pat dough into rectangle. Indent with fingertips down the middle. Fold one third to middle, lengthwise, pulling dough taut on the bottom. Press seam a little to seal. Fold other third to middle (pulling dough taut) and pinch seam closed. Roll over, seam-side down and rock gently while rounding the ends and making loaf longer or fatter, as you wish.
• 4

  Place on parchment paper on a baking sheet or cardboard, dust top with flour and let rise until doubled. About 30 minutes before you plan on baking, slash the top with a sharp razor blade at least 1/4 inch deep.
• 5

  Heat oven to 500 degrees for 1 hour before baking. Use a baking stone if you have it, according to manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, place an old pan on the bottom rack and set the second rack in the middle.
• 6

  Place the bread on the middle rack (still on the parchment or floured baking pan), pour 2 cups of hot water into the old pan and close the door.
• 7

  Using a spray bottle filled with water, spray the sides of the oven after two, five and seven minutes. Turn oven down to 450. Bake for 20 minutes.
• 8

  Turn oven down to 350 and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until a temperature probe measures 190-200F or loaf is brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove and let cool 2 hours before slicing.
• 9

  NOTE: You can purchase sourdough culture online. King Arthur Sourdough Starter, Goldrush Sourdough Starter, or Ed Wood's International Starters can all be purchased online. Or you can obtain a culture sample from a friend or start your own.
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