Brown bread recipe is a nutritious whole grain bread made with whole wheat flour and enriched with vitamins and minerals. It’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches and lighter lunches, and can be a great substitute for white bread in many recipes.
Brown Bread
Brown bread refers to bread that is made using whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat flour and other types of flour, such as rye or barley. The color of the bread comes from the bran and germ of the wheat, which are retained in the flour during the milling process. Brown bread is considered to be healthier than white bread as it is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
There are various types of brown bread available, such as wholemeal bread, which is made using 100% whole wheat flour, and multigrain bread, which is made using a combination of different types of grains. Some brown breads are also made with added ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which can provide additional nutrition and flavor.
Brown bread is often denser and heavier than white bread, and has a nuttier and earthier flavor. It’s a popular choice for sandwiches, toast, and can be also be served with soups or stews. It’s a healthier option compared to white bread, and it’s a great way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet.
What makes brown bread brown?
Brown bread gets its color from the type of flour used in the recipe. Whole wheat flour and rye flour are both used to make brown bread. Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which gives it its characteristic brown color. Rye flour is also darker in color compared to white flour. The combination of these two flours gives brown bread its distinct color.
Additionally, some recipes may call for molasses or other dark syrups, which can contribute to the color of the bread. The use of these ingredients also adds a slightly sweeter and distinctive taste to the bread.
It’s also worth noting that “brown bread” can also refer to bread that is baked to a darker color, regardless of the type of flour used. This is usually achieved by increasing the oven temperature or by brushing the loaf with a mixture of egg whites or milk before baking.
Which flour is used for brown bread?
Brown bread is typically made with whole wheat flour, rye flour, or a combination of both. Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which gives it its characteristic brown color. Whole wheat flour is also higher in fiber and nutrients than white flour.
Rye flour is also a common ingredient in brown bread because it gives the bread a distinct flavor, denser texture and a darker color. Rye flour is made from ground rye grains and it is lower in gluten than wheat flour.
Some bakers also use a combination of whole wheat flour and white flour to make the bread lighter in texture, but still retain the nutritional benefits and color of the whole wheat flour.
Additionally, some recipes may call for a small amount of barley flour, cornmeal, or oats to give the bread a unique texture and flavor.
Does brown bread need more kneading?
Brown bread, made with whole wheat flour and/or rye flour, does not necessarily need more kneading than white bread. The kneading process is important for developing gluten in the bread dough, which gives the bread its structure and texture. However, the gluten development in whole wheat flour is generally less than in white flour. Therefore, it is important to knead the dough enough to develop the gluten, but not over-knead, which can lead to a tough and dense bread.
For most brown bread recipes, it is recommended to knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can check if the dough is kneaded enough by performing the “windowpane test”. You stretch a small piece of dough and if it stretches thin enough that light can shine through without breaking, it’s done.
It’s also important to note that the rising time for brown bread may be longer than for white bread because of the lower gluten content and the denser texture of the flour, which is why it’s important to give the dough enough time to rise before baking.
Best Brown Bread Recipe
Servings: 2 Preparation: 2 minutes Cooking time: 3 minutes Calories: 46.6 Fat: 1.2g
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, egg, and melted butter.
- Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Fat: 1.2g
- Carbohydrates: 46.6g
- Protein: 5.3g
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Fibre: 2.6g
- Sodium: 0.3g
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, egg, and melted butter.
- Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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