Description
Irish Brown Bread is a traditional, hearty bread made with a blend of wholemeal and all-purpose flour. It has a nutty flavor and dense texture, perfect for serving with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, this rustic bread is a staple in Irish homes and an easy-to-make favorite in yours.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Irish-style wholemeal flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add more buttermilk if necessary to bring the dough together.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it holds together. Shape it into a round loaf.
- Prepare for baking: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross on top of the loaf.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 40–45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Add-ins: Enhance the bread with seeds, nuts, or dried fruits like raisins or currants for added texture and flavor.
- Flour substitutions: Oat flour can replace some of the all-purpose flour for a different flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to taste. You can reduce or omit it for a less sweet bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: irish
