Authentic Scottish Bannock Bread Recipe: Taste the Highlands
Ahoy there, folks! Gather round the fire and let me tell you a tale of a mouth-watering treat that has warmed the hearts of Scots, Native Americans, and First Nations people for centuries: Scottish Bannock Bread. A simple yet savory unleavened bread made with just a few basic ingredients such as flour, water, baking powder, and salt.
This traditional Scottish bread dates back to the days when it was a staple food for shepherds who took the bannocks with them while tending their sheep in the hills. Nowadays, Scottish bannocks can be found all over the world, from Scotland to Canada to America – thanks to the Outlander series!
One of the things that I love about this recipe is how versatile it is; it can be tailored to suit any taste buds by tweaking a few ingredients or served alongside any meal. Whether you have it for breakfast with butter and jam or as an accompaniment to your lunch or dinner – there is never a wrong time to indulge in some bannock bread.
So put on your apron, grab your frying pan, and let’s explore together how we can make our very own delicious Scottish bannock bread right at home. I assure you; this tasty treat is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear fellow food lovers,
Today, I want to share my favorite Scottish recipe with you – the Scottish Bannock Bread. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! This traditional Scottish bread is a perfect combination of crispy and chewy texture. It has a nutty flavor and aroma that come from the oats and whole wheat flour used in the recipe.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s straightforward to make. With simple ingredients like water, salt, baking powder, and flour, you can make this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The dough comes together quickly, and the cooking process is relatively easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques to prepare this bannock bread.
Moreover, bannocks have been a staple food for centuries, dating back to the first nations’ indigenous people of Scotland. It’s a proud heritage that has survived through generations and still popular today. So why not learn how to make a piece of Scottish tradition?
This bread is versatile – it can be eaten on its own or served with different dishes. Serve it for breakfast with butter and jam or as a side dish for savory meals. You can also customize your bannocks by adding your own unique flavor combinations like honey, raisins, or herbs.
Lastly, making bannocks at home is an excellent way to connect with your Scottish roots or embrace Scottish culture as an outlander. Plus, you’ll impress your friends and family with your knowledge of traditional Scottish cuisine.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, trying out new recipes can be fun and rewarding. Give this delicious Scottish Bannock Bread recipe a try – it won’t disappoint!
Ingredient List
Before getting started, it’s important to have the ingredients at hand. You will need:
- 5 cups (350ml) of flour: Traditionally, Scottish bannocks were made with oat flour, but this recipe uses a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- 1/2 cup (125ml) of rolled oats: Oats add texture and flavor to the bread.
- 4 teaspoons (20ml) of baking powder: This is what gives the bread its rise.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the bread.
- 2 cups (500ml) of water: Water binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup (125ml) of milk: Milk adds richness to the bread.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of barley oatmeal or ground dried peas: This ingredient is optional but adds an interesting twist to the traditional recipe.
Make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting the recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This Scottish Bannock Bread Recipe requires:
- 5 cups (700g) of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (90g) of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 cups (500ml) of water
Since we’re baking a traditional Scottish bread made with oats and whole wheat flour, it’s important to use these specific ingredients. Scottish bannocks are simple unleavened breads commonly made with just oatmeal, water, and some salt. With this recipe, we’re using a combination of oats and whole wheat flour to add more nutrition to the bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt .
Tip: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the unsalted butter at room temperature to the dry ingredient mixture.
Pour in the water and stir until everything is combined. Knead until you form a smooth dough.
Step 4: Cook your Bread
Heat up your frying pan or cast iron skillet under medium heat. Add a generous dab of butter onto your pan or skillet.
Divide the dough into eight pieces and shape each portion into a large round bannock.
Working in batches as necessary, cook the bannocks for about six to eight minutes on each side , or until they’re golden brown.
Tip: If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any frying pan!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bannocks are cooked, take them off the heat, and serve hot along with your preferred jam or butter.
This Scottish Bannock Bread Recipe is perfect to enjoy as a side dish to a hearty meal or even as a snack on its own.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you fancy customizing your Scottish Bannock Bread recipe, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try. Remember, experimentation is the key to creating new traditions!
1. Flour: Although this recipe calls for whole wheat flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or a blend of flours such as barley or oatmeal. Also, you can try gluten-free flours such as almond, rice or chickpea flour.
2. Rolled Oats: You can substitute rolled oats with ground dried peas or shredded coconut to give your bannocks an extra crunch.
3. Milk: If you don’t have milk on hand or are lactose intolerant, you can substitute it with water, almond milk, coconut milk or soy milk.
4. Sweet Bannocks: Add sugar or honey to the dough mixture to make sweet bannocks that go well with jam, honey, and even fruit.
5. Savory Bannocks: Add savory herbs like rosemary, oregano or thyme to the dough mixture to get an earthy flavor in your bannocks. You can also mix in grated cheese or diced onions for a salty twist.
6. Fried vs Baked Bannocks: Traditionally, Scottish Bannocks were cooked on a skillet over an open fire. However, this recipe bakes them instead. If you’d like to try cooking them on a skillet instead of baking them in the oven, go ahead! You can also cook them on cast iron skillets for an authentic texture.
Overall, making substitutions and variations is what keeps recipes new and fresh – so get creative and explore!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Scottish bannock bread is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! This bread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a light snack. Its versatility and hearty nature lend itself well to being paired with a myriad of foods.
For a traditional Scottish meal, serve the bannock bread alongside some smoked salmon and cream cheese. You can also try it as a side dish with your favorite soup or stew. The bread’s slightly sweet taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes like slow-cooked meats, roasted vegetables, or even hearty salads.
For something sweeter, slice the bread into thin portions and top them with your favorite fruit and honey or jam. The slightly nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a breakfast sandwich with the bannock bread. Layer some scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese between two slices of fresh bannock for a delicious start to your morning.
To really elevate your meal experience, pair the bannock bread with some traditional Scottish beverages like whiskey or a hot cup of tea. The bread’s heartiness will balance out the strong flavors of these drinks while enhancing their overall drinking experience.
No matter how you choose to serve this delicious Scottish bannock bread, be sure to savor every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Well now, let me just tell y’all how to properly make-ahead, store and reheat your freshly baked Scottish Bannock Bread.
Firstly, let me say that it’s best to enjoy this bread fresh and straight out o’ the frying pan, but if you must store it for later then follow these imporant steps. After baking, let the bread cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled down, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper and place it inside an airtight container. You can also use a plastic bag, but be sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing it tight. This will keep your bannock bread moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
If you need to store the bannocks for longer than that, well then my friend it’s best to freeze ‘em. It’s as easy as wrapping the bread in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you don’t forget when its time limit is up! The bread would be good in the freezer for up to 1 month.
For reheating, there’s nothing like warming up a slice of bannock bread on a cast iron skillet or frying pan with just a touch of butter or oil. You can also pop it in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) degrees for about 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Now I hope that helps answer your questions on how to store and reheat your delicious Scottish Bannock Bread!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the ingredients and recipe in hand, it’s time to perfect your skills making bannock bread. Here are some tips that will help ensure perfection with every batch.
Firstly, make sure that you don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing creates gluten, which makes the dough tough and less tender. Mix just enough that it comes together and forms a cohesive ball.
When measuring your ingredients, use a scale if possible. Using volume measurements can be unreliable as different types of flour can have different densities leading to an inconsistent outcome. For more accurate results, weigh out ingredients rather than relying on cups and teaspoons.
Another essential tip is to let the dough rest for at least five minutes before shaping it into bannock. This allows the gluten to relax and helps prevent the bread from being dense.
When cooking bannocks in a frying pan or skillet, be sure only to flip them once. Flipping them too often could result in uneven cooking time, leading to burnt bread or raw inside.
One of the most crucial aspects of making bannocks is getting the right balance between crispy outside and soft inside. You want a golden brown crust with a fluffy texture inside. To achieve this balance, cook your bannocks over medium heat for around five minutes until they are golden brown on both sides.
Finally, don’t rush the process; give yourself time to experiment with variations and find what works best for you. As any self-respecting baker or chef knows, practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you get your desired texture and flavor.
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, tasty Scottish Bannock Bread!
FAQ
Before we conclude, I want to address some frequently asked questions about this Scottish Bannock Bread recipe. I want to provide you with some extra tips and tricks that are not covered in the previous sections. By answering these FAQs, you will have all the information you need to make a perfect bannock bread.
What is a bannock in Scotland?
Bannock is a type of flatbread that is often consumed in Scotland. Its texture is typically dense and it is often made without yeast, which results in an unleavened bread. While oats are commonly used to make bannock, variations made with barley, ground dried peas, and a mixture of grains can also be found. A type of bannock called Selkirk bannock is made using wheat flour and includes fruit as a key ingredient.
How is traditional bannock made?
At its basic level, the British cuisine staple known as “biscuit” is composed of a blend of flour, water, and lard or fat. Additional components such as milk, sugar, and salt may be incorporated, depending on the recipe. The customary method of preparing this dish is to mix the ingredients together to form a large, circular biscuit which is then baked on a frying pan.
What is the difference between bannock and bread?
Although in some regions they are commonly referred to as the same thing, it is important to note the difference between bannock and fry bread. Originally, bannock was a vital part of the European fur traders’ diet and was often baked in the style of a scone, although it can also be fried.
Is bannock Indigenous or Scottish?
Bannock, a staple food in the diet of various Indigenous communities in North America, has its roots in Scotland. The traditional Scottish bannock was made using oatmeal, while the Indigenous version consisted of corn and nut meal, as well as flour made from plant bulbs.
Bottom Line
Well, folks, that’s the end of this Scottish Bannock Bread Recipe article! I hope that I’ve convinced you to give this traditional Scottish skillet bread a try. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, there’s no reason not to. You’ll love the flavor and texture of this unleavened bread, and it pairs perfectly with savory or sweet toppings.
Plus, there’s something special about preparing and enjoying a recipe that has been a part of a culture’s cuisine for generations. By making these bannocks or bannock bread yourself, you’ll be participating in a culinary tradition that goes back centuries. But don’t just take my word for it – give this recipe a try and taste for yourself.
So whether you’re a fan of Outlander or simply curious about indigenous foods like baked bannock, selkirk bannock, and fry bread (which are similar to bannocks), I urge you to give this delicious recipe a chance. Break out your cast iron skillet or frying pan, gather up some flour, oats, salt, and baking powder, and get ready to create your own flavorful version of Scottish bannock bread.
You won’t regret trying your hand at this traditional Scottish recipe – it’s simple, delicious, and steeped in history.
Scottish Bannock Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup Crisco
- water, enough to make a thick dough
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients together well. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender. Mix in the water and knead until the dough is very smooth, about 15 minutes.
- Grease a cast iron frying pan, including the sides, and press the dough into the pan. Bake on top of the stove over low heat. Watch carefully so that the bread does not brown or burn before the center is cooked. When the bread is free from the pan, turn the loaf over and continue to cook. The total cooking time will be about 10 minutes on each side.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.