In the heart of New England's culinary traditions, brown bread stands out as a wholesome, comforting staple. This distinctive bread, steamed rather than baked, is a testament to the ingenuity of early American settlers and their adaptation to the resources available to them. Made with a mix of rye flour, whole wheat flour, and cornmeal, New England brown bread is moist, slightly sweet, and utterly unique. Its traditional sweeteners—molasses or maple syrup—add a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes. Here's how to make this classic bread, along with a bit of its comforting heritage.
Ingredients:
1 cup rye flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup molasses or maple syrup
2 cups buttermilk or sour milk
Optional: raisins or dried cranberries
The Steaming Process:
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rye flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt. If you like, add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the molasses or maple syrup and buttermilk, mixing until well combined. The batter will be quite wet.
Prepare for steaming: Traditionally, brown bread is steamed in a can, such as a coffee can. Grease the inside of the can and fill it with the batter, leaving about an inch of space at the top for the bread to expand.
Steam the bread: Cover the can with foil, and place it in a large pot with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Steam the bread for about 2 hours, adding more water to the pot as necessary.
Cool and serve: Once done, remove the can from the pot and let it cool slightly before removing the bread. Slice and serve warm, perhaps with a spread of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey.
A Slice of History
Brown bread's origins can be traced back to the Puritans, who had to adapt their baking traditions to the ingredients available in the New World. The bread's dense texture and steaming method made it a hearty, filling addition to meals, and its simple, nutritious ingredients reflected the Puritans' frugal lifestyle. Today, brown bread remains a beloved reminder of New England's culinary history, often served alongside baked beans or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.