Scandinavian Rye Crisps Recipes

SWEDISH CRISPBREAD (RYE SEED CRACKERS)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400F/200C. Measure two pieces of parchment, or get a silicone mat and a similar-sized piece of parchment ready to fit a baking sheet/tray around 10x15in (25x38cm).
• Place the flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl and mix them together. Add the oats and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds) and mix so evenly distributed.
• Add the oil and water and combine until smooth. Take care not to overmix, you want it just combined. It should feel slightly stiff but still spreadable (add slightly more water if too stiff).
• Turn the mixture out onto the silicone mat or one piece of parchment and press the dough out to flatten a little. Top with the other piece of parchment and then roll out with a rolling pin to be around the same size as the piece of parchment. If it spreads beyond the area, you can trim a bit off and stick it to an area that has not spread as much. Then re-cover and roll over gently to help it join.
• Remove the top layer of parchment and carefully transfer the silicone mat/parchment to the baking sheet/tray. Score the top of the dough to make squares or rectangles of the size you want the crackers to be - I got around 24.
• Place the baking sheet/tray in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes until the top if dry and firm and the edges are just starting to become darker.
• Leave the crackers to cool a minute or two then cut along the score lines to break into crackers.

NY STYLE RYE CRACKERS

Steps:

• Combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, caraway seed, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir in the canola oil and honey. While stirring with a fork, slowly add the water until the dough comes together in a ball. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
• Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Divide the dough into 4 sections, rolling each piece out on parchment paper to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shape then place on a baking sheet. Prick each cracker a few times with a fork.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are brown and the crackers are crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove immediately to a cooling rack.

SWEDISH CRISPBREAD (KNäCKEBRöD)

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in the water (if using dry yeast, follow instructions).
• Add salt and fennel/aniseed.
• Add rye and enough wheat flour to make a quite firm dough.
• Knead vigorously for at least five minutes.
• Divide into 16 parts and roll to balls.
• Let rise, covered, for 40 minutes.
• Heat the oven to maximum heat.
• Roll out one piece at a time to a thin circle, 8-10 inches in diameter.
• Use plenty of rye flour when rolling.
• Make a one-inch hole in the middle.
• Prick the surface all over with a fork (in Sweden we have special rolling pins for this purpose).
• Bake one at a time on a dry tray in the oven for about 2-4 minutes.
• They should get brown, but not too burnt.
• Slip them on a stick (e. g. a broom) through the hole in the middle to cool.
• Store in a dry place and eat with butter, cheese and/or pickled herring, maybe together with beer and aquavit.