Pumpernickel is a traditional German rye bread that is often prepared with 100% coarsely ground rye flour, which results in a heavy, dense loaf. It is occasionally prepared with some wheat flour added in order to make the loaf a bit lighter and to increase the capability of the dough to rise.rnrnPumpernickel is a type of "kastenbrot," meaning "box bread." It is steamed in an oven rather than being actually baked. Pans of boiling water are placed in the oven with the pans of dough, which are cooked with low heat for several hours. The result is bread that has a moist crumb, a solid crust, and a dark color resulting from the starch in the rye becoming caramelized during the slow steaming/baking process. The bread is sometimes flavored with caraway seeds, as are many German breads. Pumpernickel is usually thinly sliced, and the hearty and somewhat sour flavor goes well with beer, cheese, meats, and sausages.
Food & Wines
Pumpernickel Bread (German)
