Norwegian Wheat Bread(Norsk Hvetelbrod)
A traditional Norwegian wheat bread with warm spices and hearty wheat germ, perfect for breakfast or tea, offering a soft texture and rich, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk and butter to scalding.
- Pour into a large bowl and cool to lukewarm.
- Stir in dry yeast.
- Sift 7 cups of flour, sugar, ground cardamom, and salt, then add to the milk mixture, mixing well.
- Add wheat germ and stir to combine.
- Turn dough onto a floured board and knead in the remaining 1 cup of flour, if needed.
- Place the dough in a buttered bowl and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into two loaves.
- Let the loaves rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you don't have wheat germ, finely ground oats can be a good substitute. Ensure the milk is not too hot when adding the yeast, as it can kill the yeast. Kneading the dough well enhances its texture, and using a stand mixer can save time.
Serving Suggestions
This Norwegian Wheat Bread is delightful on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Pie(Appetizer) for a brunch or can be used for sandwiches. Toasting slices and topping with Chevre A L'Hoice D'Olive(Goat Cheese Marinated In Olive Oil And Herbs) makes a delicious snack or appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norwegian Wheat Bread(Norsk Hvetelbrod) contains roughly 302 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 703mg per serving (31% 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 fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast as you would dry yeast. Make sure to dissolve it in the lukewarm milk before adding it to the mixture to activate it properly.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, check that the yeast is fresh and active. Ensure the milk wasn't too hot when mixed, as that can kill the yeast. If the kitchen is cold, consider placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven with the light on, to encourage rising.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Absolutely! You can customize your Norwegian Wheat Bread by adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins. Just be cautious not to overload the dough, as it might affect the texture and rise.
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).