Salt Risen Bread
Salt Risen Bread is a traditional, crusty homemade bread with a distinctive flavor, perfect for family gatherings or comforting meals that celebrate heritage and simplicity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of hot water, and 3 cups of cold water in a large mixing bowl.
- Add a large pinch of sugar and the double handful of cornmeal to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour as needed according to the directions, mixing to form a dough.
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk mixture and a small amount of lard (size of a walnut) to the dough.
- Knead the dough until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add 12 to 15 cups of flour, kneading until the dough is stiff but elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the dough into loaves and place in greased baking pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water temperature is just right; too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold may not activate it. If you don't have lard, unsalted butter or vegetable shortening can be used as substitutes. Be patient with the rising process, as the dough should double in size for optimal texture. You can also experiment with different types of flour for variations.
Serving Suggestions
Salt Risen Bread is perfect for breakfast, served warm with butter and homemade jam. It also pairs beautifully with hearty soups or stews for lunch or dinner. For a delightful dessert, try accompanying it with a slice of Mississippi Mud Pie(Original Recipe Of Mississippi River Boat Company) to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Salt Risen Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a zip-top bag. To reheat, simply toast the slices until warmed through, or wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salt Risen Bread contains roughly 194 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bread not rising properly?
If your bread isn't rising, it could be due to water temperature being too hot or too cold, which affects yeast activation. Ensure you're using fresh yeast and that your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place during the rising process.
Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before adding it to the dough.
What can I do with leftover bread?
Leftover Salt Risen Bread can be used for making delicious French toast, croutons, or bread pudding. You can also slice it thinly and toast it for a crunchy snack or serve with dips at gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).