Ella Eld'S....Finnish Bread
Ella Eld's Finnish Bread features hearty whole wheat and white flour, resulting in a dense, rustic loaf with a slightly nutty flavor. Perfect for hearty breakfasts or as an accompaniment to soups and stews, this bread offers a traditional taste of Finnish baking with its simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and salt in warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Add whole wheat flour; stir and then add the 6 cups of white flour.
- Knead thoroughly right in the bowl.
- Cover and let rise for 2 hours.
- Divide the dough into 3 round flat loaves about 1 inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Lay the loaves on a cloth to rise for 35 to 40 minutes, covering with a cloth.
- Test the dough by pressing lightly with a finger; if the impression stays, it is ready to bake. If not, let rise a little longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer crust, consider brushing the loaves with melted butter immediately after baking. You can substitute some of the white flour with spelt flour for a nuttier flavor or use 1/4 cup of honey instead of salt for a touch of sweetness. Remember to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic to ensure a good rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Finnish bread warm with butter or as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon or pickled herring. It pairs beautifully with Cajun String Beans for a delightful meal. For breakfast, enjoy it toasted with your favorite jam or alongside a bowl of Apple-Peachie Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, unwrap and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ella Eld'S....Finnish Bread contains roughly 1436 calories, with 47g protein, 296g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2767mg per serving (120% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount, and there's no need to dissolve it in water first. Simply add it directly to the flour mixture when combining ingredients.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to the yeast being inactive or the water temperature being too hot or too cold. Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F) and that your yeast is fresh. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer spot to encourage rising.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of the bread. Consider mixing in 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs or spices like garlic powder or onion powder during the flour mixing stage for extra flavor.
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).