Brown Bread

Brown Bread is a traditional Irish black bread. Its thick crumb and tender crust make it a daily accompaniment to Irish meals. Its rich, fluffy consistency is mainly composed of flour, butter, sugar and sometimes honey. You can also find them with nuts or cereals… The result is a delicious loaf of bread that will easily satisfy any hunger pangs!

Brown bread presentation

A bread with a strong character, for convivial meals!

In Ireland, Brown Bread can be eaten in a variety of ways: as a side dish, on a sandwich (with cheddar cheese), or for breakfast…

The Irish appreciate its fragrant crumb (often thicker than a standard loaf), as well as its very pronounced taste, which goes perfectly with cheese, bacon, or even sweeter flavors (Lemon Curd, jam, etc.)… Heavier and more filling than a normal loaf, it’s the ideal companion for Irish people who like to eat on the go, or who want a balanced meal that fills the stomach quickly.

Brown Bread is available in bakeries all over Ireland (for less than a euro each), as well as in pubs and restaurants across the island.

These are sometimes slightly improved, with additional ingredients such as cereals, raisins, almonds or hazelnuts… The result is often surprisingly tasty, and particularly nourishing!

Recipe: Brown bread

Ingredients

Number of people: 6 – supplies the equivalent of 2 loaves of bread
Preparation time: 10mn
Cooking time : 50mn

700g thick flour containing wheat grits
250g fine white flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
700mL buttermilk or 1 mixture 1/3 yogurt – 2/3 whole milk

Preparation

Mix the 2 flours in a large bowl. Don’t hesitate to sift them if necessary. Then add the salt, butter and bicarbonate.
Knead the mixture by hand, then pour in the egg, buttermilk and molasses… Stir until smooth and dense. Make sure, however, that the mixture remains moist and sufficiently malleable without being too runny.
Pour the mixture into 2 buttered molds, then bake at 200°C for 50 minutes.
Once cooked, leave to cool to avoid indigestion, and serve as a meal or snack. This dish goes very well with a pint of Guinness or a dish like Irish Stew.
All you have to do is enjoy!