Irish Buttermilk Bannock

Irish Buttermilk Bannock Recipe - Traditional Vegetarian Irish Bread

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Irish Buttermilk Bannock is a traditional Irish bread that is easy to make and delicious to eat. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner. The combination of buttermilk and raisins gives this bread a unique flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Irish Buttermilk Bannock has been a staple in Irish cuisine for centuries. It is a simple bread that was traditionally made with basic ingredients that were readily available in Irish households. The addition of buttermilk gives this bread a moist and tender texture, while the raisins add a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose/bread flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt to taste
0.75 tsp baking soda
1 cup raisins
2 eggs
1.5 cups buttermilk

How to prepare

In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and raisins.
In a separate bowl, fork-blend eggs and buttermilk, then add to the dry ingredients.
Stir the mixture until a sticky batter is formed.
Scrape the batter onto a well-floured surface and knead lightly.
Shape the batter into a ball and place it in a round non-stick casserole that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Using a sharp knife, mark a cross in the center of the batter.
Bake the bread uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 1.25 hours.
Allow the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove it from the casserole, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool further.
If desired, cut the loaf into quarters and then slice thinly.
Enjoy!

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda to ensure that the bread rises properly.

- Knead the dough lightly to avoid overworking it, which can result in a tough bread.

- Make sure to mark a cross in the center of the batter before baking to allow the bread to expand evenly.

- Allow the bread to cool before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

Irish Buttermilk Bannock is delicious served warm with butter and jam. It also pairs well with soups, stews, and salads.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute dried cranberries or currants for the raisins in this recipe. You can also use regular milk mixed with lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.

Make Ahead Tips

Irish Buttermilk Bannock can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Irish Buttermilk Bannock on a wooden cutting board with a bread knife for easy slicing. You can also garnish the bread with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon.

Pairing Recommendations

Irish Buttermilk Bannock pairs well with Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, or a hearty vegetable soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Irish Buttermilk Bannock in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Bannock contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Bannock contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Bannock contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Irish Buttermilk Bannock contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Irish Buttermilk Bannock is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Irish Buttermilk Bannock contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Irish Buttermilk Bannock is a nutritious bread that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Irish Buttermilk Bannock is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and sweet flavor, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a well-worn page in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The title read "Irish Buttermilk Bannock" and the ingredients were simple yet intriguing. I had always been fascinated by Irish cuisine and this recipe seemed like the perfect way to delve into it.

I remember sitting at my grandmother's kitchen table, pouring over the recipe with a sense of anticipation. The instructions were clear and concise, but there was something about the way they were written that made me feel like I was embarking on a culinary adventure. I could almost taste the warm, buttery bannock as I read through the steps.

I decided then and there that I would make this recipe my own. I gathered the ingredients - flour, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, and butter - and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed the dough and shaped it into a round loaf, I felt a sense of connection to my Irish heritage that I had never experienced before. It was as if the recipe itself was a link to my ancestors, a way to honor their traditions and pass them down to future generations.

When the bannock emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew that I had stumbled upon something special. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced - rich and tangy from the buttermilk, with a slightly crunchy crust that gave way to a soft, tender interior. I shared it with my family and they were equally impressed, proclaiming it the best bread they had ever tasted.

From that day on, Irish Buttermilk Bannock became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and ordinary meals alike, always savoring the process of mixing the dough and shaping it into a loaf. Each time I baked it, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my roots that I had never experienced before.

Over the years, I continued to make the bannock, refining the recipe and perfecting my technique. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who were equally enamored with its unique flavor and texture. I even entered it in a local baking competition and won first prize, solidifying its place as a beloved family recipe.

As I grew older, I began to think about the origins of the recipe and how it had come to be passed down through the generations. I remembered my grandmother telling me stories of her own mother, who had learned to make bannock from a neighbor who had immigrated from Ireland. It was a simple yet profound connection that tied us to a culture and tradition that had been carried across oceans and time.

In a way, Irish Buttermilk Bannock had become a symbol of resilience and perseverance for me. It was a reminder that no matter where we come from or what challenges we face, there is always a way to connect with our past and honor the traditions that have shaped us. And so, every time I bake a loaf of bannock, I do so with a sense of gratitude and reverence for the recipe that has brought so much joy and meaning into my life.

In the end, I realize that the recipe for Irish Buttermilk Bannock is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It is a story - a story of love, legacy, and the enduring power of food to bring us together. And for that, I will always be grateful.