Svensk Livets Brod
Svensk Livets Brod is a traditional Swedish bread featuring hearty wheat and unbleached flour, enriched with chicken fat and subtle sweetness, perfect for sharing at family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 3 cups unbleached flour, whole wheat flour, water, sugar, and yeast into a bowl.
- Beat in the egg.
- Combine milk, brown sugar, salt, and chicken fat in a pan and bring to a boil.
- Let the milk mixture cool.
- Add the cooled milk mixture to the flour and yeast mixture.
- Add the remaining unbleached flour (sifted) and stir until a satin-like consistency.
- Knead the dough thoroughly.
- Optionally, add cinnamon and sugar to the dough.
- Shape the dough into rolls or loaves.
- For loaves, grease the pan and let the dough rise until it is 1 inch below the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until browned on top.
- Do not overbake.
- Immediately remove from the pan and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the unbleached flour with bread flour. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of chicken fat. Adding a pinch of cardamom along with the cinnamon can elevate the taste. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise and success.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Svensk Livets Brod warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup such as Delicious Onion Soup for a comforting meal. It also pairs well with salads like Kayla's Favorite Chicken Salad or as a base for sandwiches. Enjoy it with a sweet spread for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or slice and toast.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Svensk Livets Brod contains roughly 1813 calories, with 55g protein, 333g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (111% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in water. You may need to adjust the rising time, as instant yeast often works faster.
Is there a way to make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the flours with a gluten-free flour blend and add a binding agent such as xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture will differ from the traditional recipe.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F when fully baked.
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).