This easy wheaten bread recipe is a family favorite. Using basic pantry ingredients, learn how to make this wholesome, flavorful and delicious bread that’s sure to please the entire family. Enjoy fresh bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Try our easy-to-follow recipe for a delicious taste of Ireland.
Wheaten Bread
Wheaten bread is a type of bread that is made using wholemeal flour, often made from soft wheat, which has a higher proportion of the wheat’s inner parts compared to white flour. This results in a denser, coarser texture and a nuttier flavor compared to white bread. Wheaten bread is also sometimes referred to as brown bread or wholemeal bread.
In Ireland, there is a specific type of wheaten bread known as “Irish soda bread” which is made with baking soda instead of yeast, resulting in a denser, crumbly texture. This type of wheaten bread is often served as a side dish, particularly with stews or soups, or as a sandwich base.
Wheaten bread is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier option compared to white bread. It’s also often made with ingredients like oats, bran, and seeds, which can add additional flavor, texture, and nutrition. Some recipes also call for buttermilk, which gives the bread a tangy flavor.
Wheaten bread can be purchased pre-made at bakeries or supermarkets, or it can be made at home using a simple recipe and ingredients. Whether toasted or untoasted, wheaten bread is a tasty and nutritious option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What is the difference between soda bread and wheaten bread?
Soda bread and wheaten bread are both traditional Irish breads, but they have some key differences.
Soda bread is a type of quick bread made with a combination of flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It has a dense, slightly chewy texture and is typically baked in a round shape with a cross cut into the top. Soda bread is a quick and easy bread to make, as it doesn’t require yeast or rising time.
Wheaten bread, also known as Irish soda bread, is a type of bread made with wholemeal flour and buttermilk, and it typically contains a small amount of baking soda to help the bread rise. Wheaten bread is a denser, more flavorful bread than white bread, but it is not as dense as soda bread. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a dense, moist texture. Wheaten bread is often baked in a loaf pan, which gives it a different shape than soda bread.
In summary, the main difference between soda bread and wheaten bread is the type of flour used and the texture of the bread. Soda bread is made with a combination of flour and baking soda and has a dense, slightly chewy texture, while wheaten bread is made with wholemeal flour and has a denser, moister texture.
Is Irish wheaten bread good for you?
Irish wheaten bread can be a healthier option than white bread as it is made with wholemeal flour, which is a type of flour that includes the entire grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. Wholemeal flour is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and potassium.
However, like all breads, the healthiness of Irish wheaten bread will depend on the recipe, ingredients, and serving size. Some recipes may contain added sugar or unhealthy fats, so it’s important to read the label or ingredients list before purchasing or making it.
If you’re looking for a healthier bread option, consider choosing a whole grain bread that is low in sugar and unhealthy fats, and make sure to serve it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why does my Wheaten bread not rise?
- The baking soda is too old: Baking soda loses its potency over time, so if it’s been in your pantry for a long time, it may not be strong enough to make the bread rise.
- The baking soda is not evenly distributed: If the baking soda is not evenly distributed in the dough, some areas of the bread may not rise.
- The buttermilk is too old or has gone sour: Buttermilk helps the bread rise, so if it’s too old or has gone sour, it may not be strong enough to make the bread rise.
- The dough is not mixed well: The dough should be mixed well to ensure that the baking soda and buttermilk are evenly distributed and the ingredients are combined thoroughly.
- The oven is not hot enough: The oven should be hot when the bread is put in, as this helps the dough to rise.
- The dough was over-kneaded: Over-kneading the dough can cause the gluten to break down, which can prevent the bread from rising.
- The dough was not allowed to rise enough: The dough should be allowed to rise for the specified time before being baked.
Why is Irish Wheaten bread popular?
- Flavor: Irish wheaten bread has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that is distinct from other types of bread. This flavor is due in part to the use of wholemeal flour, which has a slightly sweeter, nuttier taste than white flour.
- Texture: Irish wheaten bread has a dense, moist texture that is different from other types of bread, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, toast, and as an accompaniment to meals.
- Convenience: Irish wheaten bread is easy to make, as it doesn’t require yeast or rising time. This makes it a convenient option for busy families or people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to baking.
- Health benefits: Irish wheaten bread is made with wholemeal flour, which is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and potassium. This makes it a healthier option than white bread for many people.
- Cultural significance: Irish wheaten bread has a long history in Ireland, and it is associated with traditional Irish cuisine. This cultural significance contributes to its popularity and makes it an important part of Ireland’s food heritage.
Best Wheaten Bread Recipe
Servings: 10 Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Calories: 270 Fat: 1.3g
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, honey, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in the prepared pan and let it rise for another 15 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutrition:
Calories: 270
Protein: 9.3g
Total fat: 1.3g
Total carbohydrate: 54.3g
Dietary fiber: 5.0g
Sugars: 4.7g
Sodium: 240mg
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, honey, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in the prepared pan and let it rise for another 15 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
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