Rye bread in bread machine

You should select the Basic (usually Menu 1) or Whole Wheat (usually Menu 3) setting on your ACA bread maker. Because our recipe uses a high ratio of rye flour (2 cups rye to 1 cup white flour), Basic is slightly safer to prevent over-kneading, though both work well. 

[1] (https://www.scribd.com/document/977638523/Aucma-Bread-Maker-Recipebm1333a), [2] (https://50krecipes.com/bread-machine-rye-bread/)

Recommended Settings for Your ACA Machine

• Program: Select Basic (for a slightly softer texture and gentler knead) or Whole Wheat (if you want a longer rise time to help the heavy rye flour expand). Avoid "Quick" or "Ultra Fast" cycles, as rye dough needs time to rise. 

[1] (https://vassilias.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/R-2096-EN-IM.pdf), 

[2] (https://50krecipes.com/bread-machine-rye-bread/), [3] (https://www.scribd.com/document/97763852

3/Aucma-Bread-Maker-Recipebm1333a)

• Loaf Size (Weight): Select 750g (1.5 lb). This recipe uses 3 cups of flour total, which fits the 750g capacity best.

[1] (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DnuGdeVDL.pdf), 

[2] (https://50krecipes.com/bread-machine-rye-bread/)

• Crust Color: Select Medium or Light. Rye flour browns much faster than white flour, so choosing "Dark" might burn the outside before the inside finishes baking. 

[1] (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91DnuGdeVDL.pdf)

Important Bread Maker Adjustments

To make this specific recipe work in your machine, make these two quick tweaks:

1. Add a little fat: Bread machine loaves need a touch of oil or butter so they don't stick to the pan and stay soft. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil, olive oil, or melted butter along with the water. 

[1] (https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/1183/Norwegian-Rye-Bread91597.shtml), [2] (https://50krecipes.com/bread-machine-rye-bread/)

2. Layer ingredients in the right order: ACA bread makers typically require wet ingredients at the bottom and yeast at the top so the yeast doesn't activate too early. Add them to your bread pan in this exact order:

• 1 cup warm water (plus 1 ½ tbsp oil/butter)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups rye flour

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or bread flour, which gives an even better rise in a machine)

• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast (make a small indentation in the top of the flour and pour the yeast in so it stays dry until mixing starts) 

[1] (https://www.walmart.com/i/recipes/Honey-Rye-Bread/2695230?povid=recipe_ideas_POV_card_Honey-Rye-Bread), [2] (https://50krecipes.com/bread-machine-rye-bread/)

Pro Tip: Peek inside the machine about 5 to 10 minutes into the kneading cycle. Rye flour absorbs water differently than white flour. If the dough looks dry and crumbly, add warm water 1 teaspoon at a time until it forms a soft, slightly tacky ball.

 

[1] (https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/1183/Norwegian-Rye-Bread91597.shtml)

Would you like to know the exact program number for your specific ACA model, or would you like tips on how to remove the kneading paddle before baking so it doesn't leave a hole in your loaf? 

[1] (https://recipeland.com/recipe/v/rye-not-bread-50486)

Norsanina.blogspot.com

Rye bread

This easy rye bread recipe combines rye flour and all-purpose flour for a hearty, flavorful loaf that is simple to bake at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 packet (1 tsp) active dry yeast or instant yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 cups rye flour

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional, for classic deli flavor)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the dough: Add the rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and caraway seeds (if using) to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.

4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour (or until doubled in size).

5. Shape: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough, shape it into a neat round or oblong loaf, and place it on a greased baking sheet.

6. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when you tap it.

7. Cool: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before you slice and enjoy it.

For more tips on working with rye dough, check out this guide on Easy Homemade Rye Bread Recipe.

Watch a helpful step-by-step visual guide on how to mix and bake a simple loaf of rye bread by hand:

Would you like me to share a variation that uses a Dutch oven for a crispier crust, or tips on making a sourdough rye version?

Sponsored

To bake your rye bread, you can explore these options for rye flour:

Norsanina.blogspot.com

Rye sourdough

A simple beginner-friendly rye sourdough bread using cup measurements combines a soft, manageable blend of rye and bread flour so the dough isn't overly sticky. [1]

Ingredients

1 cup active sourdough starter
1 cup rye flour
2 cups bread flour
1¼ cups water (lukewarm)
1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional, for classic rye flavor) [1, 2]

Instructions

Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the active sourdough starter and lukewarm water. Add the rye flour, bread flour, salt, and caraway seeds if you're using them. Mix with a spoon or your hand until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.
Rest and rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 4 to 6 hours until it looks puffy and has grown noticeably.
Shape the loaf: Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Gently turn out the dough and shape it into a round ball or a log that fits a greased loaf pan.
Second proof: Place the shaped dough into your baking vessel or a floured proofing basket. Cover and let it rise for another 2 hours.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake covered for the first 20 minutes (to trap steam), then uncover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.
Cool: Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack for at least a few hours before slicing so the interior crumb finishes setting. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here is a helpful video guide showing an easy, step-by-step approach to making a soft sourdough rye loaf:

Would you like tips on how to feed your sourdough starter before baking, or do you need help adjusting the recipe for a loaf pan?

Norsanina.blogspot.com

Al Zukhruf - ayat 43

I think you are referring to Surah Az-Zukhruf (Surah 43), particularly verses 57–65.

Yes. 

There is a rather interesting passage here involving Prophet Isa (Jesus), the people who argued about him, and the earlier story of Prophet Musa (Moses).

Let me walk you through it.

1. The story begins with Prophet Musa (43:46–56)

Allah recounts how Prophet Musa was sent to Pharaoh and his people with clear signs.

Musa called them to worship Allah, but Pharaoh's people rejected him. Pharaoh even belittled Musa and questioned his authority.

Eventually, Pharaoh and his people were destroyed.

2. Suddenly, the Quran introduces Prophet Isa (43:57–59)

This is where the passage becomes interesting.

Allah says, in meaning:

"When the son of Mary is cited as an example, your people immediately laugh and argue about it."

The background is that the Quraysh were arguing with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

According to classical tafsir accounts, they brought up Jesus as an argument against Muhammad's teaching. Their reasoning was essentially:

If Christians worship Jesus, and Jesus is a human being, why should our idols be condemned?

They were attempting to use Jesus as a debating point.

Allah then clarifies that Isa was not a god. He was a servant of Allah, whom Allah favoured and made an example for the Children of Israel.

3. Jesus came with wisdom (43:63–65)

This is perhaps the most interesting part.

Allah says, in meaning:

"When Jesus came with clear proofs, he said: I have come to you with wisdom, and to make clear to you some of the things over which you differ. So fear Allah and obey me."

Then Jesus says:

"Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path."

But the people differed among themselves.

4. Were the followers of Moses arguing with Jesus?

Not exactly.

There are two different historical groups and episodes being brought together:

The Children of Israel: The people to whom Prophet Musa and subsequently Prophet Isa were sent.

The Quraysh: The people who were arguing with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and bringing up Jesus as an example in their debate.

The Quran moves from Musa's confrontation with Pharaoh to Jesus' mission among the Children of Israel, and then addresses the argument raised by Muhammad's contemporaries.

It is not describing Moses' followers having a direct argument with Jesus.

5. Something worth reflecting upon

There is a beautiful distinction in these verses.

Jesus came with wisdom to clarify matters over which people differed.

But instead of receiving the clarification, people continued to disagree.

Notice the contrast:

Jesus brought wisdom to resolve disagreement. People turned the matter into another disagreement.

This is one of the recurring themes in the Quran: sometimes people are not necessarily looking for the truth. They are looking for arguments to defend what they already believe.

And there is another important point: the Quran consistently presents Musa, Isa and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) as messengers calling people towards the same fundamental truth — worship Allah alone.

Perhaps we can explore verses 57–65 more deeply, particularly why Allah chose Jesus as the example in this particular argument.

Answer 2. 

Ah, now I understand what you mean.

Yes. The Quran does not always unfold events according to chronological order. It moves between prophets, nations, conversations, warnings and revelations.

Sometimes a story begins in one surah, reappears in another, and reveals a different dimension that you might not have noticed before.

It is almost like looking at a beautiful tapestry. You see one section, then another, and gradually recognise how everything is connected.

And I like your description: a mystery revealing itself, layer by layer.

Perhaps this is also why reading the Quran repeatedly can feel different. You haven't necessarily discovered a new verse; sometimes you have discovered a new connection between verses you have read many times.

The Quran invites us not merely to follow a story, but to reflect, connect and recognise.

There is something beautiful about not rushing to solve every mystery. Sometimes it is enough to let the next revelation illuminate what came before.

Norsanina.blogspot.com

Half vege diet

Tea time

There is something rather interesting about what you have just discovered. You are beginning to experience food differently.

Vadey dipped in chickpea curry is a lovely example. You have:

Protein: Chickpeas and urad dal used in vadey.

Fibre: Chickpeas and lentils.

Carbohydrates: Legumes provide energy without relying on rice.

Healthy nutrients: Depending on how the curry is prepared, you also get minerals and plant compounds.

But I find your observation more interesting than the nutritional aspect.

Perhaps you are discovering that a satisfying meal does not necessarily need the familiar Malaysian combination of rice plus chicken, meat or fish.

There is an entire world of meals built around:

Chickpeas, lentils and dhal.

Beans and peas.

Nuts and seeds.

Eggs and dairy.

Vegetables, mushrooms and grains.

And you don't have to become strictly vegetarian to explore it.

One suggestion: Explore Indian vegetarian cooking. You might enjoy chana masala, masala dosa, idli with sambar, rajma curry and various types of dhal.

I am curious about one thing: Did you find the meal satisfying because you didn't miss the rice and meat, or because you enjoyed discovering a completely different combination of flavours?

Yes! Absolutely. You can sustain your hunger without eating rice and meat. In fact, you may discover that some combinations of legumes, vegetables, nuts and dairy keep you satisfied for quite a long time.

But there is an important distinction: You don't want to replace rice and meat with vegetables alone. You want to replace them with nutritionally substantial meals.

1. What keeps you feeling full?

Three things are particularly important:

Nutrient Why it matters Food examples

Protein Helps maintain fullness and muscle Chickpeas, dhal, eggs, milk, beans

Fibre Slows digestion and supports fullness Chickpeas, lentils, broccoli, carrots

Healthy fats Adds energy and helps sustain satisfaction Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, seeds

Your vadey and chickpea curry combination actually demonstrates this quite nicely.

2. Some meals worth exploring

Here are combinations that don't require rice, chicken, meat or fish.

Meal Main ingredients

Chana masala Chickpeas, tomato, spices

Rajma curry Kidney beans, tomato, spices

Masala dosa Fermented lentil-rice crepe, potato filling

Lentil soup Lentils, carrots, cauliflower

Hummus platter Chickpea paste, boiled eggs, bread

Vegetable omelette Eggs, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms

Peanut butter toast Wholemeal bread, peanut butter, milk

You can still eat eggs and drink milk if you wish.

3. Will you get hungry sooner?

Possibly, particularly if you simply remove rice and meat without replacing their calories and protein.

My suggestion is to experiment gradually.

For example:

Breakfast: Oats with milk and nuts.

Lunch: Chickpea curry with vegetables and one or two pieces of wholemeal bread.

Dinner: Vegetable omelette with dhal or lentil soup.

You don't need to eliminate rice completely. You can alternate.

4. Something I want you to consider

You previously mentioned that you wanted to reduce your weight without making your eating habits miserable.

This could be an interesting direction.

Rather than thinking:

What food should I stop eating?

Try thinking:

What new food combinations can I discover that make me feel satisfied?

That is a much more enjoyable way to change your eating habits.

One nutritional caution: if you eventually move towards a completely plant-based diet, pay attention to vitamin B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D and adequate protein.

My suggestion: Give yourself a two-week experiment with Indian vegetarian meals. Observe your hunger, energy, digestion and enjoyment.

You might discover that you don't actually miss rice as much as you thought. 😊

Norsanina.blogspot.com

Termite from cement

Tiny bugs coming from cement walls, wooden doors, and dust in Malaysia are most commonly booklice (psocids), plaster beetles, or wood-boring pests like drywood termites. Incense smoke will not stop them because they feed on microscopic mold inside damp plaster and wood or live deep inside timber. [1, 2]

How to Tell Them Apart

• Booklice (Psocids): Tiny (1–2 mm), soft-bodied, translucent white to light brown insects that crawl fast along damp walls and door frames. They do not bite or damage wood; they feed on microscopic mold thriving in high humidity. [1, 2, 3]
• Plaster Beetles: Small (1–3 mm), hard-shelled brown or reddish beetles often seen near newly plastered cement walls, door panels, or windowsills where moisture is trapped. [1]
• Wood-Boring Insects (Drywood Termites or Powderpost Beetles): If the "dust" looks like tiny uniform sand pellets or fine flour piling up directly under pinholes in the wooden door or panel, insects are eating the wood from the inside. [1, 2]

How to Get Rid of Them

• If they are Booklice or Plaster Beetles (Moisture Pests):
  • Dry out the room: Run a dehumidifier or air-conditioner (dry mode) to keep humidity below 50–55%, as they die off when the air and walls dry out.
  • Clean mold and dust: Vacuum the wall crevices, door panels, and skirting boards, then wipe surfaces with a white vinegar and water solution or anti-mold cleaner.
  • Seal gaps: Fill hairline cracks where the wooden door frame meets the cement wall using acrylic caulk or sealant. [1, 2, 3]
• If you see Wood Dust / Droppings (Termites or Wood Borers):
  • Do not use regular aerosol sprays: Surface sprays only kill a few insects on contact and push the colony deeper into the door panel.
  • Check for structural damage: Gently tap the wooden door frame to see if it sounds hollow or feels soft. If so, arrange an inspection with a local specialist like PestBusters Malaysia or Ridpest. [1, 2, 3, 4]

If you can share what the bugs or dust look like (for example, tiny moving specks vs. piles of sawdust/pellets, or if there are small holes in the wood), I can narrow down the exact pest and recommend the right treatment.

Norsanina.blogspot.com