| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 297 | 2.1g | 0.6g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 9.8g | 9g | 0.75g |
About Pumpernickel
Long hailed as a fiber-rich, flavorful option, Pumpernickel is a distinctive, delicious member of the bread family. 
Its hearty texture and complex flavor profile have made it synonymous with elegance and sustenance. Originating from Germany, it is prepared with wholesome ingredients that lend it a unique dark shade, and a flavor that stands out in the pantheon of breads.
What Makes Pumpernickel Special
Deeply colored, ameliorated with cocoa powder and distinctively flavored with caraway seeds, Pumpernickel is undoubtedly a gourmet choice for bread connoisseurs. Despite its heavy texture, what fascinates culinary experts is its intricate, layered taste. Strong notes of molasses define its sweet side, while the warmth of rye flour and earthy whole wheat gives it a robust feel. Additionally, active dry yeast lends it a slightly tangy accent that’s both intriguing and addictive. But these elements don’t just contribute to its unusual flavor – these ingredients also manage to give this bread an impressive nutrient profile.
Pairing Pumpernickel with Other Dishes
Pumpernickel’s flavor is multifaceted enough to stand on its own, but it’s also suited to pair wonderfully with a range of dishes due to its hearty nature. It is a preferred choice to accompany Scandinavian smorgasbord, a variety of cheeses and butter spread, and pairs particularly well with smoked fishes. It is a typically used base for making canapés, serving as the perfect canvas to highlight the flavors of the toppings it carries.
If you are looking to explore this recipe further, you might want to consider baking this bread at home. Pairing it with a warm soup or stew, or using it in a hearty sandwich, would certainly accentuate your meal. One can never go wrong with a slice of Pumpernickel, a pat of butter, and perhaps a cup of tea or coffee by the side. And let’s not forget the potential it holds for a gourmet breakfast – topped with avocado, a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
With its mighty flavor and versatile culinary applications, Pumpernickel is not just a bread, but an experience. An experience entirely worth exploring!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups rye flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons whole caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Method
Step One:
In a large mixing bowl combine the rye flour, whole wheat flour, bread flour, cornmeal, active dry yeast, cocoa powder, caraway seeds, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well mixed.
Step Two:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, molasses, butter, and white vinegar. Heat this mixture until it is quite warm but not hot (about 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit), then gradually pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring constantly to incorporate everything well.
Step Three:
After you have thoroughly combined the wet and dry ingredients, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 10 minutes, or until the dough is elastic and smooth. Note: you may need to add a bit more flour during the kneading process if the dough is too sticky.
Step Four:
Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This could take about 1-2 hours depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
Step Five:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place them in two greased loaf pans. Cover these with a clean towel and let rise again until doubled. This could take another 1-2 hours.
Step Six:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the loaves have risen, bake them in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when lightly tapped. Remove the loaves from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
