Breads
Wheaten Bread (Northern Irish-Style Brown Bread)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) wholemeal flour
- 100 g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 350 ml (1 1/2 cups) buttermilk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a loaf tin.
- Combine wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until firm and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Introduction: A dense, nutty wholemeal soda bread particularly associated with Northern Ireland, wheaten bread is a staple at breakfast tables across Ulster, often served alongside smoked fish or simply with butter and jam.
Cultural Background: A dense, nutty wholemeal soda bread particularly associated with Northern Ireland, wheaten bread is a staple at breakfast tables across Ulster, often served alongside smoked fish or simply with butter and jam.
Tips: This bread uses a wetter batter than classic soda bread, which is normal and gives wheaten bread its characteristically moist, dense crumb.
Variations: Some bakers add a handful of rolled oats to the batter for extra texture. Naturally vegetarian; can be made vegan using plant-based buttermilk and butter substitutes.
Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Toast slices or warm briefly in a low oven.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 190 kcal, 3g fat, 36g carbohydrate, 7g protein.
FAQs:
Q: How is wheaten bread different from soda bread?
A: Wheaten bread uses wholemeal flour and a wetter batter, giving it a denser, nuttier character.
Q: What is this bread traditionally served with?
A: It's classically paired with smoked salmon, cheese or simply butter and jam.
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