Scottish Bannock
Bannocks are a traditional Scottish flatbread, often made with oatmeal and flour. They have a hearty, wholesome taste and can be cooked on a griddle, in a pan, or baked in the oven. Bannocks are versatile and can be served with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Self-raising flour
- 200 g Scottish Oatmeal
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 90 g Butter(cold, cubed)
- 200 ml Milk or Buttermilk(approx. or until dough comes together)
- 1 tbsp Oil(for cooking)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or heat a griddle or heavy-based frying pan over medium heat.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, oatmeal, salt, and baking powder. Whisk to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensuring dry ingredients are well mixed prevents pockets of salt or baking powder. - 3
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Rub the butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. - 4
Make a well in the center of the mixture and gradually add the milk or buttermilk, stirring with a knife or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- 5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead for a moment, then shape it into a flat disc, about 1-inch thick.
💡 Tip: Avoid over-kneading, which can make the bannock tough. - 6
If baking, place the disc on the prepared baking tray. If cooking on a griddle/pan, carefully transfer the disc to the hot surface.
- 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If cooking on a griddle/pan, cook for about 10-15 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: The bannock should sound hollow when tapped. - 8
Once cooked, remove from the oven or pan and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using buttermilk adds a pleasant tang and tenderness to the bannock.
- ✓For a crispier bannock, cook on a well-seasoned cast-iron griddle.
- ✓Serve with butter, jam, honey, cheese, or smoked fish.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of caster sugar for a slightly sweeter bannock.
- Experiment with different flours like barley or whole wheat for varied textures and flavors.