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Rúgbrauð impresses with its mahogany-dark color and moist, dense crumb studded with whole grains. This Icelandic rye bread represents an ancient baking tradition made possible by the country's geothermal resources, where bread is sometimes baked underground using naturally heated springs. The slightly sweet, earthy rye flavor becomes deeper as the bread ages. This bread is more than sustenance; it embodies Icelandic resourcefulness and connection to the land.
Heat your oven to 100°C (210°F). Grease a deep loaf pan or a 2-liter ovenproof pot.
In a large bowl, mix the rye flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, molasses, and brown sugar.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
Bake for about 8 hours, or overnight. The long, low heat slowly caramelizes the sugars and gives rúgbrauð its dark color and sweet, deep flavor. In Iceland it is sometimes baked for 24 hours buried in hot geothermal ground.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Wrap and leave for a few hours or overnight before slicing; it cuts more cleanly once fully cooled. Serve thinly sliced with plenty of butter, smoked lamb (hangikjöt), smoked trout or pickled herring.
Rúgbrauð is an Icelandic rye bread with a dense, moist crumb and dark color, traditionally made with molasses and buttermilk.
Rúgbrauð comes from Iceland, where geothermal energy allowed communities to bake bread using naturally heated springs and underground ovens.
The bread requires rye flour, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, dark molasses, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Some recipes include whole grains.
Don't over-mix the batter. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. The flavor improves as the bread ages.
Serve with butter, cured fish like smoked salmon, or cheese. Excellent with soups and stews, or enjoyed as a breakfast bread.
