Zapisz Experience the warmth of an Irish kitchen with this traditional Brown Bread. A hearty, rustic wholemeal loaf with a touch of sweetness, it is traditionally served with creamy honey butter for a quintessential Irish treat. This simple soda bread requires no yeast and no rising time, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
Zapisz The secret to this bread's signature texture is the reaction between buttermilk and baking soda, which creates a soft crumb inside a thick, crunchy crust. It’s a timeless recipe that brings a sense of comfort and tradition to your table in less than an hour.
Ingredients
- For the Brown Bread:
- 2 cups (250 g) whole wheat flour (Irish-style if available)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
- For the Honey Butter:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Mix well.
- Step 3
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Step 4
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round loaf, about 2 inches thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
- Step 5
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross on top. Sprinkle with extra oats if desired.
- Step 6
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
- Step 7
- For the honey butter: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 8
- Slice the cooled bread and serve with generous dollops of honey butter.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the perfect bake, ensure you do not overmix the dough; stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread from becoming too dense. Always check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow when ready.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nuttier flavor profile, try adding 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds to the dry mixture. To make this recipe vegan, replace the dairy with plant-based butter and create a vegan buttermilk by mixing plant milk with a teaspoon of vinegar.
Serviervorschläge
This versatile bread is excellent when served alongside hearty soups and stews. It also makes for a delightful breakfast treat when toasted and topped with a generous spread of the homemade honey butter.
Zapisz Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, this Irish Brown Bread is a simple yet deeply satisfying bake that honors tradition with every slice.
Najczęściej zadawane pytania dotyczące przepisów
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Delikatnie mieszaj składniki aż do powstania miękkiego, nierównego ciasta, unikając nadmiernego wyrabiania, aby chleb pozostał puszysty.
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Tak, można użyć roślinnego napoju zmieszanego z odrobiną octu lub soku z cytryny, tworząc zamiennik o podobnej kwasowości.
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Po upieczeniu spód chleba powinien brzmieć pusto przy stuknięciu, co oznacza odpowiednią strukturę.
- → Czy można dodać do ciasta orzechy lub nasiona?
Tak, dodanie posiekanych orzechów lub nasion słonecznika wzbogaci smak i nada chlebowi ciekawą teksturę.
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Przechowuj chleb w papierowej torebce lub lnianym woreczku, aby zachować chrupiącą skórkę i miękki środek.