Irish Brown Bread
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A staple in Irish kitchens, Irish Brown Bread is a hearty bread that can be enjoyed with afternoon tea, hot soup, or breakfast.
In this recipe, we delve into the time-honored tradition of crafting Irish Brown Bread—a beloved staple that graces tables across the Emerald Isle. This simple yet satisfying bread captures the essence of Ireland’s rich agricultural landscape and rustic charm.
With a nutty aroma and a dense, moist crumb, Irish Brown Bread is a testament to the country’s love for straightforward, hearty fare. Enjoy a slice with our hearty Cheddar Beer Potato Soup. It would also be perfect served along side Steak and Eggs Breakfast Hash.
What makes Irish Brown Bread brown?
Irish brown bread, also known as Irish brown soda bread, is a traditional type of bread that is popular in Ireland. It is characterized by its dense texture, hearty flavor, and nutty taste. The bread gets its name from the use of whole wheat or wholemeal flour, which gives it a brown color.
Ingredients:
- whole wheat flour or wholemeal flour
- all purpose flour (this will help lighten up the bread a bit)
- granulated sugar (you can also use brown sugar)
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- buttermilk (you can use regular milk but buttermilk is better)
To make this bread preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a Dutch Oven or large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl mix the whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, sugar baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Pour in most of the buttermilk and mix well to combine. If the dough still seems dry add in the remaining buttermilk.
How do you make buttermilk?
It’s easy to make buttermilk if you don’t have any at home. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and stir. Let sit for 5-10 minutes then use as you would buttermilk.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead and turn for about 30 seconds, just to make sure the flour is incorporated.
Shape the dough into a round and press into the Dutch oven or on the baking sheet.
Using a sharp knife cut a cross into the top center of the dough. Then poke a small hole in each corner.
Bake the bread for 10 minutes then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue baking for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
Slice the bread and serve with butter or jam.
How do I store this bread?
Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or keep in an air tight container. Bread will last for about 3 days if wrapped and stored at room temperature.
What Can I serve on this bread?
This bread is delicious topped with salted butter. It is also tasty with a citrus jam like my Kumquat Jam. For a savory twist try a slice with Bacon Jam on top and serve it with hot soup or as the base of a hearty sandwich.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 c. whole wheat flour
- 2 c. all purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 c. buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a Dutch oven or a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl combine the whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour in most of the buttermilk and mix until combined. Add remaining buttermilk if dough is still dry.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead for 30 seconds or until all flour is incorporated.
- Shape the dough into a circle and place in the Dutch oven or on the baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife cut a cross into the top center of the dough. Poke a small hole on all four corners.
- Place the bread in the oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue baking for 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire baking rack.
- Cut into slices and enjoy with butter or jam.
Notes
