Irish Brown Bread is a hearty, rustic, and flavorful bread that is typically made with whole wheat flour, giving it a slightly nutty flavor and dense texture. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require yeast, so it’s a perfect quick bread. This bread is a staple in Ireland and pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or simply with butter and jam. Here’s a classic recipe for Irish Brown Bread:
Irish Brown Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (preferably Irish whole wheat flour, if available)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for added richness)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into a round and bake it directly on a baking sheet.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk, melted butter (if using), and honey or brown sugar (if using). Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the dough together. It will be sticky, but that’s okay.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for just a minute or two to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will result in a dense loaf. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but try to keep it as moist as possible for the best texture.
- Shape the Bread:
- If you’re using a loaf pan, shape the dough into a loaf and place it into the pan. If you’re baking it freeform, shape the dough into a round ball and place it on a baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the dough to help it rise evenly while baking.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes for a round loaf or 40-45 minutes for a loaf in a pan, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It’s best served slightly warm with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
Tips:
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling it with milk to the 1 1/2 cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Variation: You can add ingredients like seeds (sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin) or oats for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: This bread is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Irish Brown Bread is a warm, comforting bread that’s perfect for any meal, bringing a touch of Ireland to your kitchen with its rustic flavor and satisfying texture!