Recipe

Indian Spiced Brown Bread

Masala Brown Bread: A Spicy Twist to a Classic

4.6 out of 5

This recipe takes the traditional American Boston Brown Bread and infuses it with the vibrant flavors of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The result is a deliciously spiced bread that combines the heartiness of the original dish with the aromatic spices of India.

Sweet Bread› Boston Brown Bread

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

Cuisine styles› Vegetarian cuisine› Indian vegetarian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

45-50 minutes

Total time

60-65 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using plant-based milk and omitting buttermilk), Dairy-free (if using plant-based milk and omitting buttermilk), Egg-free, Nut-free

Allergens

Wheat

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (contains wheat flour)

Ingredients

In this Indian adaptation of Boston Brown Bread, we incorporate Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the bread with a distinct flavor. Additionally, we use whole wheat flour instead of the traditional combination of rye, cornmeal, and wheat flour to align with the Indian preference for whole grains. We alse have the original recipe for Boston Brown Bread, so you can check it out.

1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) brown sugar 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
1/4 cup (60ml) molasses 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 51g, 30g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, applesauce, milk, and molasses.
4.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
6.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7.
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Whole wheat flour — Make sure to use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutritional value.
Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Molasses — Choose unsulphured molasses for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts or raisins into the batter before baking.
Serve the bread warm with a dollop of ghee or butter for a richer flavor.
This bread pairs well with Indian curries, lentil soups, or as a base for sandwiches.

Serving advice

Slice the Indian Spiced Brown Bread and serve it as a side dish with your favorite Indian meal. It can also be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast bread.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the bread before baking. This will add a touch of visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.