Description
Irish soda bread emerges as a rustic classic from Ireland’s culinary heritage. Home bakers can craft this simple, hearty loaf with basic pantry ingredients, creating a satisfying companion to soups and stews.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (195 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (195 g) whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking soda
- ¾ tsp (3 g) salt
- 2 tbsps (30 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tbsps (15 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Create a well in the center and pour buttermilk, gently combining ingredients with a wooden spoon until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms. Add additional buttermilk if the mixture appears dry.
- Shaping: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, softly knead, and shape into a rounded disc approximately 7 inches in diameter. Using a sharp knife, score a pronounced cross-shaped incision across the dough’s surface, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Finishing Touch: Delicately brush the surface with milk or heavy cream to enhance visual appeal and flavor.
- Baking: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center (it should come out clean) or by tapping the bottom of the bread (a hollow sound indicates complete baking).
- Serving: Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly. Serve warm with creamy butter and fruity preserves for a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Buttermilk Brilliance: Use fresh, room-temperature buttermilk for the best texture and rise, ensuring a tender and soft bread interior.
- Kneading Know-How: Handle the dough gently and minimally to prevent tough bread; overmixing can develop excess gluten and create a dense result.
- Scoring Secrets: Make a deep cross-cut on top to help steam escape, promoting even baking and creating that classic Irish soda bread appearance.
- Freshness Factor: Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, storing in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its rustic charm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg