The Fresh Loaf

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Caraway Seed

Noy's picture
Noy

Caraway Seed

I am trying Peter Reinhart's rye bread recipe.
What's a good substitute to caraway seed?
Thanks.
Noy

the breadman's picture
the breadman

I think Fennel Seeds (Anise) are similar in quality, sorta intense and perfumey, to Carraway. This may sound kinda weird but I have used Cumin seeds. I liked the earthiness of that seeds with the Rye and I wasn't reminded of a Mexican restaurant at all.

Good Luck - take pics!! 

browndog's picture
browndog

Hi, Noy!

I agree with the breadman that fennel works very nicely in rye. One of my favorite breads was a rye/fig/fennel loaf that Beenjamming posted a while ago.

Anise may be a bit too like licorice, fair warning. It is used as a bread spice, but proceed with caution so it doesn't overwhelm.

Coriander is often used in breads as well as in combination with caraway, and should stand alone just fine.

ejm's picture
ejm

I too use fennel in one of the rye breads I make (molasses fennel raisin) and love it.

I see that the Cook's Thesaurus suggests substituting dill seed for caraway and that makes sense too. I would be more inclined to use dill than anise. Dill seeds are a little less licoricey than fennel seeds (and of course, a LOT less licoricey than anise).

But there really isn't a substitute for caraway that has that same wonderful earthy flavour. (I adore caraway rye bread)

-Elizabeth 

sphealey's picture
sphealey

I use various combinations of:

  • caraway seed
  • celery seed
  • poppy seed
  • sesame seed
  • cumin seed (careful with this one!)
  • toasted sunflower seed

in my ryes. I have also seen anise mentioned in several recipes but haven't been over to Penzeys to get any yet.

sPh

Paddyscake's picture
Paddyscake

sp..any suggestion for subbing amounts of cumin for caraway? Equal or a bit less?

DavidAplin's picture
DavidAplin

To my taste buds dill seed is pretty close to carry-me-away seed

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

Caraway. No other flavor like it.

Nice picture.  Striped Bread!  Lots of crazy stripes.  :)

Noy's picture
Noy

Many thanks to all those who suggested on a suitable substitute to caraway seed. I tried cumin but used only half of what the recipe indicated. The bread turned out well. See attached link - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/1828719850_9d54cae086_b.jpg It had a pleasant aroma, a good bite and mouthfeel. The loaf's gone! Noy