Best Barley Bread Recipe: A Nutritious and Delicious Loaf

Barley bread is a wholesome alternative to traditional wheat bread. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

This simple barley bread recipe combines barley flour with a few pantry staples like baking powder, buttermilk, and honey for a moist, slightly sweet loaf. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers a delicious result every time.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups barley flour (340 grams)
• 1-¼ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1-½ cups buttermilk
• ⅓ cup melted butter or olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Recipe Barley Bread 6 Instructions

This barley bread recipe is simple and healthy, using barley flour, buttermilk, honey, and baking powder. Mix the dry and wet ingredients, combine them into a smooth dough, and bake in a greased loaf pan at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy your soft, fiber-rich barley bread as a wholesome treat! Here step by step process:

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the proper temperature by the time your dough is ready. Grease an 8-1/2 by 4-1/2-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make the bread easier to remove after baking.

Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the barley flour (340 grams), salt (1-¼ teaspoons), baking powder (2 tablespoons), and baking soda (½ teaspoon). Use a whisk or sifter to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring the bread rises evenly. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps avoid clumps and creates a smoother batter later.

Step 3: Combine The Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs (2 large), buttermilk (1-½ cups), melted butter (⅓ cup), and honey (3 tablespoons). Whisk until the ingredients are fully blended and smooth. If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, you can substitute maple syrup for honey or increase the quantity by a tablespoon. Ensure the melted butter is cool before adding to avoid curdling the eggs.

Step 4: Combine The Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid over-mixing, as this can result in a dense, tough bread. Stir just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no flour pockets remain. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, similar to cornbread batter.

Step 5: Transfer And Bake

Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the bread is fully baked.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Once baked, remove the barley bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the bottom from becoming soggy due to trapped steam. Once cooled, slice the loaf into even pieces and enjoy! It’s delicious when served warm with butter and honey or topped with sunflower seeds for added texture.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or walnuts for a nutty texture.
• Barley flakes, rolled oats, or toasted barley for extra fiber and flavor.

Why Barley Bread?

Barley bread is an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. It’s perfect for those looking to cut down on wheat flour or want a healthy homemade bread option. Although barley contains gluten, it has a lower gluten content than wheat, making it a gentler choice for people sensitive to gluten.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store your barley bread in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerate: To extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or toaster.

Conclusion

Barley bread is not only a delicious alternative to traditional wheat bread, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Its high fiber content supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer. This simple recipe uses barley flour to create a hearty, rustic loaf that’s perfect for toasting or pairing with your favorite spreads and soups.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious option or want to try a different kind of bread, barley bread is a great choice. Plus, with easy add-ins like seeds or oats, you can customize it to suit your taste and boost its nutritional value even more!

FAQs

1.Can I Use Barley Flour In Place Of Wheat Flour?
Yes, barley flour can replace wheat flour in most recipes, though its lower gluten content may result in a denser texture.

2.Is Barley Bread Gluten-Free?
No, barley contains gluten, though less than wheat. It is not suitable for people with celiac disease.

3.Can I Make Barley Bread With Yeast?
Yes! You can use instant yeast or active dry yeast to make a yeast-risen barley bread for a fluffier loaf.

4.Can I Add Oats Or Seeds To My Barley Bread?
Absolutely! Add rolled oats, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrients.

5.What Is The Best Way To Eat Barley Bread?
It’s fantastic toasted with butter, served alongside soup, or topped with honey for a sweet touch.

6.Can I Use A Sourdough Starter For Barley Bread?
Yes, a sourdough starter can be used for a tangier flavor and a chewier texture. Simply replace the baking powder and soda with your starter.