Rye Porridge Sourdough Bread

Rye Porridge Sourdough Bread is a medium German recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Simpel Sourdough on YouTube.

Prep: 17 hrs | Cook: 55 min | Total: 17 hrs 55 min

Cost: $6.70 total, $0.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Rye Grains (crushed coarsely)
  • 400 g Water (for porridge) (cold tap water)
  • 2 g Salt (for porridge) (fine sea salt)
  • 300 g Spelt Flour (unbleached, sifted)
  • 200 g Wheat Bread Flour (high‑protein bread flour)
  • 350 g Water (for dough) (lukewarm, about 30°C)
  • 100 g Active Sourdough Starter (100 % hydration, fed 12 h prior)
  • 10 g Salt (for dough) (fine sea salt)
  • 5 g Olive Oil (for lightly greasing the container)

Instructions

  1. Crush rye grains

    Place the rye grains in a food processor or mortar and pulse until coarsely broken, but not turned into flour.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook rye porridge

    Transfer the crushed rye to a saucepan, add 400 g water and 2 g salt, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grains are soft and the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes).

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Cool the porridge

    Spread the hot porridge on a large plate to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator for 60 minutes until cold but not frozen.

    Time: PT75M

  4. Autolyse the flours

    In a mixing bowl combine 300 g spelt flour, 200 g wheat bread flour and 350 g lukewarm water. Stir until no dry spots remain. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  5. Add sourdough starter

    Add 100 g active sourdough starter to the autolysed mixture and mix by hand or with a dough hook until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add dough salt

    Sprinkle 10 g salt over the dough and mix until the salt is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Incorporate rye porridge

    Take the cooled rye porridge (ensure it is not ice‑cold) and fold it into the dough until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  8. First bulk‑fermentation rest

    Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.

    Time: PT20M

  9. First fold

    Perform a stretch‑and‑fold: lift one side of the dough, stretch upward, then fold it over onto itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat 4‑5 times.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Second bulk‑fermentation rest

    Let the dough rest uncovered for 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

  11. Second fold

    Repeat the stretch‑and‑fold technique as in step 9.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Final bulk‑fermentation

    Allow the dough to continue fermenting until it has roughly doubled in size and feels strong (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

    Time: PT90M

  13. Shape and transfer to container

    Lightly oil a plastic container, turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape into a round loaf, and place it seam‑side up in the container.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Bench rest

    Cover the container and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  15. Cold proof overnight

    Place the covered container in the refrigerator and let the dough proof slowly for about 12 hours (overnight).

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 4°C

  16. Preheat oven and steel

    Place the baking steel on the middle rack and preheat the oven to 250°C (482°F) for at least 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 250°C

  17. Bake with steam – first phase

    Transfer the loaf onto the steel, add a tray of boiling water to the oven to create steam, and bake for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 250°C

  18. Bake – second phase

    Remove the steam tray, lower the oven temperature to 230°C (446°F), and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the crust is deep golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 230°C

  19. Cool the bread

    Remove the loaf from the steel and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool completely (at least 1 hour) before slicing.

    Time: PT1H

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Rye

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Rye Porridge Sourdough Bread

Recipe by Simpel Sourdough

A hearty, rustic sourdough loaf that incorporates a creamy rye grain porridge for extra flavor and texture. The rye porridge is cooked, cooled, and folded into a strong spelt‑and‑wheat bread dough, then bulk‑fermented with a series of folds, cold‑proofed overnight, and baked on a pre‑heated steel for a crisp crust and a fluffy, pillow‑like crumb.

MediumGermanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
19h
Prep
55m
Cook
2h 23m
Cleanup
22h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.70
Total cost
$0.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Crushing rye grains to the right size
  • Cooking the rye porridge to the proper consistency
  • Ensuring the porridge is cooled but not ice‑cold before mixing
  • Performing stretch‑and‑folds at the correct intervals
  • Cold‑proofing the dough overnight for flavor development

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water and boiling porridge can cause severe burns – handle with care.
  • Steam in the oven is extremely hot; keep face away and use oven mitts.
  • The baking steel reaches very high temperatures; use thick gloves when handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of rye porridge sourdough bread in German cuisine?

A

Rye porridge bread (Roggenbrei‑Brot) stems from traditional German peasant cooking where rye was a staple grain. Adding a cooked rye porridge to sourdough dough was a historic method to boost nutrition, improve moisture, and stretch limited wheat flour supplies, resulting in a hearty loaf that is still beloved in rural German households today.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of rye porridge sourdough bread in German cuisine?

A

In northern Germany, the loaf often includes whole rye kernels for extra crunch, while in the south, bakers may add caraway seeds and a touch of malt syrup. Some Alpine regions blend spelt with rye, similar to this recipe, to create a lighter crumb while retaining the rye’s earthy flavor.

cultural
Q

How is rye porridge sourdough bread traditionally served in Germany?

A

It is typically sliced thick and served with butter, cheese, or smoked ham for breakfast or as a robust accompaniment to soups and stews. In many German households, the loaf is also enjoyed toasted with honey or jam as a snack.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is rye porridge sourdough bread associated with in German culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, this rustic loaf is a staple at family gatherings, harvest festivals (Erntedankfest), and winter markets where its hearty texture pairs well with warm mulled drinks and sausages.

cultural
Q

What makes rye porridge sourdough bread special or unique in German cuisine?

A

The inclusion of a cooked rye grain porridge adds moisture, a subtle nutty flavor, and a denser crumb that distinguishes it from plain wheat sourdough. It also boosts the loaf’s nutritional profile with extra fiber and minerals from the whole rye grains.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making rye porridge sourdough bread?

A

Common errors include adding the rye porridge while it is still hot (which can kill the starter), under‑mixing the dough after the porridge is added, and skipping the stretch‑and‑folds, which are essential for developing gluten strength in a wet dough.

technical
Q

Why does this rye porridge sourdough bread recipe use a cold overnight proof instead of a longer room‑temperature proof?

A

A cold proof slows fermentation, allowing complex flavors to develop while keeping the dough manageable. It also fits a home‑baker’s schedule, letting the loaf be baked fresh the next morning with minimal active time.

technical
Q

Can I make the rye porridge sourdough bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. You can prepare the rye porridge up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. After shaping, the dough can be frozen; thaw it overnight in the fridge before the final bake.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the rye porridge sourdough bread is done?

A

The crust should be deep golden‑brown, slightly crackly, and sound hollow when tapped. The crumb inside should be open, airy, and show specks of rye grains, resembling a fluffy pillow with a moist, slightly chewy interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Simpel Sourdough specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Simpel Sourdough focuses on straightforward, no‑fluff sourdough techniques, exploring whole‑grain variations, hydration experiments, and simple step‑by‑step tutorials for home bakers of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Simpel Sourdough's approach to German sourdough baking differ from other sourdough channels?

A

Simpel Sourdough emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and the use of traditional German grains like rye and spelt. Unlike many channels that favor high‑gluten white flour, Simpel Sourdough showcases rustic, nutrient‑dense loaves that stay true to regional German baking heritage.

channel

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