Lithuanian Bread Recipe

Step 1

Make the sponge (poolish) the night before by combining all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover with a lid and leave on the counter for 12 hours.

Step 2

In the morning, add all the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer and knead for 3-4 minutes. The dough should come off the sides if it's too sticky keep adding a tablespoon of white flour until it comes together. Place into a greased bowl and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour (or until doubled.)

Step 3

Shape the dough: on a lightly floured surface make an upside-down triangle and bring over the top corners to make an envelope.

Step 4

Then bring over the middle like a crescent.

Step 5

Flip to the other end, and repeat.

Step 6

Roll into a tight log jelly-roll style (loaf should be 10 inches long.) Transfer dough to a sheet pan dusted with cornmeal and allow to rise until doubled (about 1 hour.)

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 450°F and slash one side to make an air pocket when baking. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool for at least two hours before slicing.