Russian Black Bread (Rolls or Loaves)

This is a heavy, dark bread. Posted for ZWT 2006. This recipe makes either 24 rolls or 2 round loaves. Cooking time includes rising times, and will also depend on whether you're making rolls or loaves.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 5 mins
• Yields: 24 rolls

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 1⁄2 cup molasses
• 1⁄4 cup  oil
• 1  ounce  unsweetened baking chocolate
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2  cups  shredded bran cereal
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1  tablespoon instant coffee
• 3  teaspoons salt
• 2  teaspoons onion powder
• 1  teaspoon fennel seed, crushed (optional)
• 2 (1/4ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 4  cups  medium rye flour
• 1  egg white, to brush over loaves before baking (optional)
• 1  tablespoon water, to brush over loaves before baking (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat water, molasses, oil, and baking chocolate until very warm (120F - 130F degrees). The chocolate does not need to be completely melted.
2. In a large bowl, blend all-purpose flour, bran, sugar, coffee, salt, onion powder, fennel seed, and yeast at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
3. Stir in, by hand, the rye flour.
4. On well-floured working surface, knead the dough, adding 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups additional all-purpose flour as needed, until dough is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Dough will be slightly sticky.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, and then turn the dough so the greased side is up. Cover and let rise in a warm place until not quite doubled in size (about 45-60 minutes).
6. Generously grease (not oil) two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans or cookie sheets. Punch down dough.
7. For Rolls: divide dough into 24 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Place in prepared round cake pans.
8. For Loaves: divide dough in half and shape each half into rounds. Place in prepared pans.
9. Cover and let rise in warm place until not quite doubled in size (30-45 minutes).
10. Heat oven to 375F degrees. If desired, brush rolls or loaves with mixture of 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon water.
11. Bake rolls for 35-40 minutes. Bake loaves for 45-55 minutes, or until crust is dark brown and loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped.
12. Immediately remove from pans and allow to cool.