| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 50 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 391 | 12g | 2g | 67g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 41g | 2g | 7g | 0.20g |
Growing up in Boston with Irish roots, my grandparents’ love for hearty and comforting meals has always stayed with me. One particular delight, Caraway Seed Bread, stands out not only for its delightful taste but also its nutritious punch. Just the name Caraway Seed Bread is enough to bring a nostalgic whiff of childhood memories spent with family, baking in the kitchen leaded by my grandmother.
A Traditional Delight
As a fruit-based recipe, the Caraway Seed Bread is somewhat a unique entrant in my collection of recipes. This was not your typical soda bread or potato bread that you’d usually find in a traditional Irish spread. The distinctive flavor of caraway seeds blended with the natural sweetness of mixed fruits has made this bread a beloved favorite in our household. Today, my fiance, Laura, and I love serving it at our family gatherings. Our son has also developed a fondness for this family heirloom that continues to be passed down through generations.
Health Benefits of Caraway Seed Bread
As a nutrition enthusiast, I am continually seeking ways to incorporate healthier ingredients into our family meals. And the Caraway Seed Bread does pack in quite a few health benefits. Caraway seeds are known to offer a number of health benefits including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and lowered cholesterol levels. On the other hand, dried fruits, as part of this recipe, carry a rich assortment of minerals, fiber, and several health-promoting antioxidants.
Further, opting for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose can increase the nutritional value. Yet, the original recipe as I know it has a distinct taste and texture that, if you ask me, is charming in its own traditional way.
Pairs Well With…
When it comes to pairing, this Caraway Seed Bread undoubtedly makes a great companion to a wide array of dishes. It is quite versatile and is an absolute winner with most cheeses, making for a delightful cheese and bread platter. A steaming cup of tea or your favourite homemade soup from this collection, are perfect accompaniments that can turn a simple slice of Caraway Seed Bread into a soul-soothing meal.
This recipe, with its rich taste and heritage, offers so much more than meets the taste buds. It is a tangible connection to my family’s past, a celebration of my Irish heritage, and a delicious legacy I wish to pass down to my son. That’s why I love this recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside for a while.
Step Three
In another bowl, beat 2 eggs until they turn frothy. Then, add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to the beaten eggs. Mix this wet mixture thoroughly.
Step Four
Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry mixture. Stir the combined mixture until it is completely moist. Make sure there are no lumps left in the mixture.
Step Five
Add 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds to the mixture and stir gently. Following this, add 1 cup of chopped dried mixed fruit.
Step Six
Pour the final mixture into the previously greased and floured loaf pan.
Step Seven
Bake the poured mixture in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Eight
Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, remove the bread from the pan and cool it completely on a wire rack.
