Polish toast recipe

How to Make Polish Chleb: A Step-by-Step Guide

Polish chleb, a traditional dense yet airy bread, is a staple in Polish households, loved for its crusty exterior and soft, chewy crumb. Here’s a comprehensive guide to baking this iconic loaf at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g high-protein bread flour

- 350ml lukewarm water

- 7g active dry yeast

- 10g salt

- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (to feed yeast)

- Optional: 1 tbsp caraway seeds or sunflower seeds for flavor.

Steps:

1. Activate Yeast: Mix yeast, honey, and lukewarm water in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Combine Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Make a well, pour in yeast mixture, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8 minutes.

4. First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape: Punch down dough, shape into a round or oval loaf, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.

6. Bake: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Just before baking, slash the top with a sharp knife for traditional cracks. Bake for 30–35 minutes until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips: For extra crispiness, place a pan of water in the oven during baking. Enjoy Polish chleb with butter, soups, or as a sandwich base!