Description: Irish Potato Bread is a delightful and comforting traditional bread that incorporates the rich, earthy flavor of mashed potatoes into a soft and golden loaf. This versatile bread pairs wonderfully with various dishes or can be enjoyed on its own, showcasing a hint of buttermilk for that extra touch of indulgence.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil or steam potatoes until tender.
- Mash the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool to room temperature.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Incorporate Mashed Potatoes:
- Add the cooled mashed potatoes to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
5. Add Buttermilk:
- Pour in the buttermilk gradually, stirring continuously to form a soft and slightly sticky dough.
6. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
7. Shape the Loaf:
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Optional Finishing Touch:
- For an extra touch of flavor, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking.
10. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the Potato Bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
This Potato Bread recipe yields a moist and tender loaf with a subtle potato essence, making it a perfect addition to your bread-baking repertoire. Serve it warm with butter or use it to create delicious sandwiches. Enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of homemade Potato Bread!