Simple Irish Brown Bread
Simple and really healthy, the Irish Brown Bread will become your go-to recipe
I talked a little about Irish Soda Bread in my last post - how store bought versions can be pretty underwhelming. I was surprised to learn how easy it is to whip up a batch or two with just a few ingredients and no kneading and rising times usually associated with baking bread at home.
Many people make Irish Brown bread with beer, molasses, and honey - all great ingredients, but I prefer not to get too complicated with this simple bread recipe.
Irish soda bread and Irish brown bread, both quick breads that rely on baking soda for rising are quite similar in process, but have different textures. This Irish Brown Bread recipe is not as sweet as the Irish Soda Bread made with currants.
Try Irish Brown bread with a little jam or some Irish Cheese.
Irish Brown Bread
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup rolled oats - plus about a 1/4 cup for the topping
1/2 cup wheat germ
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter
Put it All Together
Preheat oven to 400°.
Whisk together the flours, oats, wheat germ, salt, sugar, baking soda in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk and butter.
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir together - being mindful not to over stir.
Use baking spray or olive oil on a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet.
Pick up dough and press into the cast iron skillet
Cover with a thick layer of rolled oats.
Place in oven and bake for about 55 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out cleanly.
Remove from oven, transfer to cooling rack, and let cool for 15 minutes digging in!
The ingredients in Irish Brown Bread are a nice balance of flours, oats, wheat germ, and simple sweet and savory flavors.
