Boston Brown Bread is a hearty, moist bread with a slightly sweet flavor, traditionally made with a mix of whole wheat flour, rye flour, and cornmeal. This bread, often steamed rather than baked, has a dense texture and a deep, rich taste, making it a perfect complement to savory dishes like baked beans, or served with butter and jam for a comforting breakfast. Steaming gives the bread a unique, soft crumb and keeps it incredibly moist. While this recipe can be made in the oven, steaming the bread provides that authentic Boston touch, making it a delightful, nostalgic treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rye flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steaming Setup: If using a steaming method, bring a large pot of water to a simmer, setting up a steamer basket or rack to keep the bread pan above the water. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rye flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The mixture will be thick, but don’t overmix it. If the batter feels too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Transfer to Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or use a smaller, deeper pan for a more authentic, tall shape. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Steam or Bake:
- For Steaming: Carefully place the pan in the steaming basket or on the rack, cover the pot, and steam the bread for about 1 to 1.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water level remains high. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For Baking: If baking, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm with butter or alongside your favorite hearty dish.
Boston Brown Bread is a unique and deliciously old-fashioned bread that’s perfect for colder months or when you’re craving a comforting, rustic flavor. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own for a satisfying snack!
