Homemade Anadama Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (150g) cornmeal 1 cup (150g) cornmeal
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) salt 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (295ml) warm water 1 1/4 cups (295ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 43g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.9g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, instant yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the molasses, softened butter, and warm water until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover with the kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches the top of the pan.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. 9.
   Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine or medium-grind cornmeal for a smoother texture in the bread.
• Molasses — Opt for unsulfured molasses for a milder flavor. If you prefer a stronger molasses taste, use dark molasses instead of light.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture, sprinkle some cornmeal on top of the loaf before baking.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the amount of molasses slightly.
• To achieve a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
• Store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Serving advice

Anadama Bread is best enjoyed warm or toasted. Serve it alongside a bowl of hearty soup, use it to make sandwiches with your favorite fillings, or simply spread some butter or jam on a slice for a delightful snack.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beautiful golden crust of the Anadama Bread, slice it diagonally and arrange the slices on a wooden cutting board. Serve it with a small dish of softened butter or a jar of homemade jam for an inviting presentation.