36-Hour Fermented Dark Rye with Malted Barley Recipe

Ingredients
Equipment
Directions
FAQs
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This artisanal bread requires sourdough starter, dark rye flour, bread flour, malted barley flour, filtered water, salt, and optionally molasses for depth, caraway seeds for flavour, and sunflower oil for texture. The combination creates a complex, deeply flavourful loaf.
Learn how to cook 36-Hour Fermented Dark Rye with Malted Barley Recipe by mixing active sourdough starter with flours and water, followed by bulk fermentation at room temperature for 4-6 hours, then cold fermentation for 24-30 hours. Bake in a Dutch oven at 250°C for 20 minutes covered, then 25-30 minutes uncovered at 230°C until deeply browned.
The 36-hour fermentation develops complex flavours and acidity characteristic of traditional rye breads. This process breaks down complex carbohydrates and phytic acid, improving digestibility, enhancing preservation qualities, and creating the distinctive tangy depth that makes authentic rye so prized.
While possible, commercial yeast won't provide the same depth of flavour or preservation qualities. Sourdough cultures contain beneficial bacteria that help break down rye's complex structures, prevent gumminess, and create the perfect pH balance that gives traditional rye its distinctive character.
The key lies in proper hydration (65-70%), extended fermentation to break down starches, and most importantly, allowing the bread to cool completely—at least 4 hours or overnight—before slicing. Rye contains complex starches that need time to set, cutting too early results in a gummy texture.
Artisan Bread
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