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WW2 Food Rationing Recipe! Britain's National Loaf-Worst Bread Ever?!

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

National Loaf

Cultural Context

The National Loaf emerged during World War II in Britain as a response to food shortages and rationing. Made with a blend of wholemeal and white flour, it was designed to be more nutritious while still being affordable. This bread became a staple in British households, symbolizing resilience and ingenuity during tough times. Today, variations exist, with some opting for different flours or added seeds, reflecting a modern twist on this historic recipe.

BritishGBmain
90 min
medium
10 servings
Servings4
1 ½ lb wholemeal bread flour
1 ½ tbsp salt
1 ½ tbsp dried yeast
1 tsp honey or treacle
450 ml tepid water

wholemeal flour

🥗Healthier: spelt flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Spelt flour offers a nutty flavor while being more nutritious.

margarine

🥗Healthier: butter

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Butter enhances flavor, while vegetable oil is cost-effective.

dried fruit

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: raisins

Fresh fruit reduces sugar content, while raisins are economical.

milk powder

🥗Healthier: almond milk powder

💰Cheaper: regular milk

Almond milk powder is dairy-free, while regular milk is often cheaper.

1

Mix together all the ingredients.

2

Knead for 10 minutes.

3

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel or oiled plastic wrap and leave until dough has doubled in size (about 2 hours).

4

Punch dough down, knead then cut into two equal pieces.

5

Place in loaf pans and allow to rise for another 2 hours.

6

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and bake for 30 min.

7

Cool on a wire rack.

Cooking Techniques

mixingkneadingrisingbaking

Equipment Needed

oiled bowlloaf panswire rack

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Allergens

glutendairy

Also Known As

National BreadWar Loaf

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