Cesky Cerny Chleb(Old World Black Bread)
Cesky Cerny Chleb is a rich, dark traditional Czech bread with deep cocoa and caraway flavors, perfect for hearty meals or as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups rye flour ⓘ
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 packages active dry yeast ⓘ
- 1/2 cup warm water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons caraway seed ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine rye flour and all-purpose flour in a large bowl; reserve 3 cups of the flour mixture.
- Sprinkle yeast over 1/2 cup warm water; stir until dissolved and set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the reserved 3 cups of flour mixture, cocoa, sugar, caraway seed, salt, and instant coffee.
- Combine 2 cups water, vinegar, dark corn syrup, and butter or margarine in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over low heat just until warm; butter or margarine does not need to be completely melted.
- Add the warm cocoa mixture to the flour mixture and blend well.
- Add the dissolved yeast and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in enough additional flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, until the dough no longer clings to the side of the bowl.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board; cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cesky Cerny Chleb, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses for extra sweetness and depth. If you don't have rye flour, a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour can work as a substitute, although the texture will differ slightly. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm spot, as this will help it develop a good structure.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty black bread is perfect for pairing with hearty soups, stews, or even a spread like Green Chive Dip. It can also complement smoked meats and cheeses beautifully. For a delightful twist, serve it alongside Almond Honey Rugelach for dessert to create a varied and pleasing spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag, which allows you to take out only what you need. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cesky Cerny Chleb(Old World Black Bread) contains roughly 1137 calories, with 58g protein, 223g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (349% of the Daily Value), iron (203% of the Daily Value), and protein (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1911mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for this recipe. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine's manufacturer, and select the whole grain or rye setting for the best results.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember that the humidity and brand of flour can affect the dough's texture.
Can I add additional spices or flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding spices like ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Dried fruits like raisins or chopped nuts can also be incorporated for added texture and sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).