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Anadama Bread: Hearty Cornmeal and Molasses Classic Recipe

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4.2 from 24 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Anadama Bread is a traditional New England yeast bread made with cornmeal and molasses, delivering a slightly sweet, hearty flavor with a soft and tender texture. This bread combines the earthiness of cornmeal with the rich sweetness of molasses, making it a perfect companion for butter or soups.

Ingredients

Bread Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Cook the Cornmeal: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in 1/2 cup of cornmeal and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
  2. Mix Sweeteners and Salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/3 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon salt. Allow the mixture to cool until it is warm but not hot to the touch.
  3. Add Yeast: Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast over the warm mixture, stirring gently to combine and activate the yeast.
  4. Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing continuously until a dough forms that is soft but not too sticky.
  5. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased baking pan.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until it has risen noticeably.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool before slicing for best texture.

Notes

  • Molasses is key to the bread’s characteristic rich, slightly sweet flavor.
  • For optimum taste, serve the bread warm with butter spread on top.
  • Ensure the cornmeal-cooked mixture is only warm before adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading the dough properly develops gluten, crucial for the bread’s texture.
  • Allowing two rises helps the bread achieve a light yet hearty crumb structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/anadama-bread-hearty-cornmeal-and-molasses-classic-recipe/