Boston Brown Bread Recipe

Boston Brown Bread is a traditional New England dish that dates back to the 17th century. It’s a dark, dense bread made with a combination of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and rye flour, sweetened with molasses and flavored with spices. This bread is typically steamed rather than baked, giving it a moist and tender texture. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Boston Brown Bread from scratch, using simple ingredients and traditional methods.

Ingredients for Boston Brown Bread

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rye flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

How to Make Boston Brown Bread

1. Prepare the Steamer: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rye flour, cornmeal, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk and molasses until well combined. If desired, fold in the raisins.
4. Fill the Pans: Divide the batter evenly among three greased 14-ounce cans. Cover each can with a piece of greased foil.
5. Steam the Bread: Place the cans in the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Steam the bread for about 2 hours, adding more water to the pot as needed.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cans from the steamer and let the bread cool for a few minutes before unmolding. Slice the bread and serve warm or at room temperature.

About the Main Ingredients

Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice than refined flour. It gives the bread a hearty texture and nutty flavor.

Rye Flour: Rye flour adds a distinct flavor to the bread and helps create a dense, chewy texture. It’s commonly used in traditional Boston Brown Bread recipes.

Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds texture to the bread and helps absorb moisture during steaming. It also contributes to the slightly sweet flavor of the bread.

Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture to the bread and helps activate the baking soda, leading to a lighter texture. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor.

Molasses: Molasses provides sweetness and a rich, dark color to the bread. It’s a key ingredient in traditional Boston Brown Bread recipes.

Raisins: Raisins are optional but add a sweet burst of flavor and chewy texture to the bread. They’re a common addition to Boston Brown Bread.

Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and allspice add warm, aromatic flavors to the bread, complementing the sweetness of the molasses and raisins.

Boston Brown Bread is a delicious and unique bread that’s perfect for serving alongside hearty soups or stews. Its rich, sweet flavor and dense texture make it a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal.