Svetku Maize - Homemade Festive Bread

This homemade festive bread, svetku maize, is a delightful treat perfect for holidays and special occasions. With a rustic charm and rich flavors, this bread is a blend of wheat and whole grain rye flours, offering a hearty and wholesome taste. It's made with simple ingredients yet requires patience as it rises and bakes slowly to achieve the perfect texture and crust. The bread is exceptionally versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings or sides. The preparation requires pre-planning due to the long rising time, ensuring that every bite is infused with deep flavors. The process is therapeutic, rewarding you with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Ideal for family gatherings, this bread is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its rich flavors, svetku maize is the perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or simply enjoyed with flavored butter. Dive into the joy of baking this traditional delight and savor the fruits of your labor in each slice.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

400g wheat flour
200g whole grain rye flour
580ml water

Spices:

1.5 tsp salt
1/2 tsp yeast

Other:

Olive oil for greasing the parchment paper
Wheat flour for kneading the dough

Preparation Time

Total: 720 minutes (12 hours)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rising Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine wheat flour, rye flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually add water while stirring with a spoon until a dough forms. Cover with a cloth and let the dough rest at room temperature to rise for about 10 hours.
Prepare for Second Rise: Generously flour a work surface and gently transfer the dough from the bowl. Fold it over a few times to remove air bubbles. Place it on a parchment paper greased with olive oil inside a shallow bowl. Let it rise again for 2 hours.
Preheat the Oven: As the second rise nears completion, preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Place a cast-iron pot or an oven-safe dish of about 22 cm in diameter inside to heat for around 5 minutes.
Bake the Bread: Carefully place the dough with the parchment into the heated pot. Cover with a heat-resistant lid and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes to create a crispy crust.
Serve: Once baked, let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve with butter blended with finely chopped dill, salt, and garlic pieces. Enjoy!

Tips

Rising Environment: Ensure your kitchen is warm to aid the dough rising.
Dough Handling: Use wet hands to prevent sticking when handling the dough.
Storage: Store the bread in a paper bag to maintain its crusty exterior.

Nutritions

Calories: Varies per serving
Protein: Moderate
Fats: Low
Carbs: High

Variations

For a Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat and rye flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Add Seeds: Incorporate seeds like sunflower or flax for added texture and nutrition.
Different Flavors: Experiment by adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Soup: This bread complements a hearty vegetable or tomato soup.
Top with Cheese: Enjoy it with a slice of melted cheese or as a basis for open-faced sandwiches.
Savor with Olive Oil: Serve with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Best Places

Trostel’s Bistro – Exquisite European cuisine with outstanding bread options. Location: 12851 University Ave, Clive, Iowa, USA.
The Baking Stone – Renowned for traditional bread and pastries. Location: 147 Feltham Road, Ashford, Surrey, UK.
Bäckerai – Offers a rustic and cozy environment with authentic European bread. Location: Kantstrasse 25, Berlin, Germany.
La Parisienne Bakery Cafe – Known for its artisan style breads. Location: 2801 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, California, USA.
Pane e Salame – A celebrated Italian bakery offering diverse breads. Location: Via Santa Maria, Rome, Italy.
Boulangerie Poilâne – Famous for its sourdough bread. Location: Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
Schwarz Brot – German bakery with a focus on rye and wheat flour breads. Location: Speckstraße 4, Hamburg, Germany.
The Bread House – Celebrated for its variety of bread and warm atmosphere. Location: Harrington Street, Dublin, Ireland.
Boulangerie Bo – Offers organic and artisanal bread. Location: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
Levain Bakery – Well-known for its bread and baked goods. Location: 167 W 74th St, New York, USA.