| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 280 | 5g | 3g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3g | 7g | 1.57g |
Why I Love Czech Potato Bread
There are few things as comforting as a fresh-baked loaf of Czech Potato Bread. This decadent bread, brimming with a unique blend of all-purpose and rye flour, mashed potatoes, and the surprising crunch of caraway seeds, is a testament to rustic, old-world cooking. The recipe hails from the fertile soil of the Czech Republic, but like many of the dishes I feature, it finds a kinship with my beloved Midwestern heartland in the United States, where potatoes and bread form the cornerstones of hearty home cooking.
The Inspiration Behind the Potato Bread
I believe in the power of humble ingredients, and in the case of this Czech Potato Bread recipe, I found inspiration from a renowned chef who championed straightforward, uncomplicated cooking – the much respected Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain’s relentless pursuit of authentic and culturally significant recipes turns the ordinary into extraordinary.
Comparable Dishes and Pairings
The Czech Potato Bread, with its delicate balance of rye sweetened slightly with sugar, its rustic and earthiness amplified by potatoes and caraway seeds, bears a considerable resemblance to the classic Rye Bread. But where it truly stands out is in its moist and filling denseness, furnished by the mashed potatoes.
One can consider this bread as the star of a potato soup meal, or a side that complements savory dishes like beef stew or grilled meats. Its versatile nature allows it to transition effortlessly from a breakfast toast to a dinner side. It goes well with a smear of creamy butter or soaked in a rich, lively gravy. The possibilities are truly endless!
So here’s to simple comforts. Here’s to hot loaves of Czech Potato Bread pulled fresh from the oven, steam rising, releasing an aroma that brings you back to grandma’s kitchen. It’s a coming home, in every sense of the word.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of rye flour
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 packet of dried yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 cup of mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of caraway seeds
Method
Step One
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, rye flour, salt, sugar, and dried yeast in a large mixing bowl. Blend these ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step Two
Once the dry ingredients are mixed, create a small well in the middle of the mixture. Pour the warm water into this well. Stir the mixture slowly, gradually incorporating more and more flour until a loose dough begins to form.
Step Three
Add the mashed potatoes and melted butter to the dough. Continue to stir and knead the dough, ensuring that the potatoes and butter are fully integrated. The dough should be fairly sticky at this stage, but it should also be robust enough to hold its shape.
Step Four
Lightly flour a clean surface, then turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic in texture.
Step Five
Once the dough is kneaded, grease another large bowl with a bit of butter, then place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Six
After the dough has risen, add the caraway seeds and knead them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. Shape the dough into the desired loaf shape, then place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, let your loaf rise for another half an hour.
Step Eight
Once the oven is heated and your loaf has completed its second rise, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the loaf for about 30 minutes, or until the bread has turned a golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step Nine
Let the baked loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade potato bread!
