Imagine a bread so rustic, so deeply flavorful, that it transports you straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland with just one bite. This Irish Guinness Brown Bread is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines the robust maltiness of Guinness beer with wholesome whole wheat flour, creating a loaf that's simultaneously dense, moist, and utterly irresistible. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your bread-making skills and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Guinness beer
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to create a nice crust on your bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Add the tablespoon of brown sugar to the dry mixture and mix thoroughly. This will add a subtle sweetness to the bread.
- Slowly pour in the 1 1/2 cups of Guinness beer. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine them until just moistened.
- Once the mixture is combined, it should be slightly sticky. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more Guinness, but be cautious not to add too much.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently for about 1 minute, just to bring it together. Do not over-knead, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking pan. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look.
- Using a sharp knife, make a cross shape on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread to expand while baking and gives it a traditional look.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The bread is done when it has a deep golden-brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the steam to escape and helps maintain the bread's texture.
- Enjoy your homemade Irish Guinness Brown Bread warm with butter, or serve it alongside soups and stews for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your Guinness is at room temperature for better ingredient integration.
- Don't Overmix: Gentle mixing prevents a tough, dense bread. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking soda to ensure proper rising and texture.
- Scoring Technique: Make a deep cross on top of the loaf to allow even expansion during baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to set its structure.
- Storage Tip: Wrap cooled bread in a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture.
- Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed warm with salted Irish butter or alongside hearty soups and stews.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
