St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a loaf of delicious Irish Soda Bread? This traditional bread is easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smoother.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” into the top of the dough.
Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Optional: You can add raisins, currants, or caraway seeds to the dough before baking to give it a different flavor.
Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that relies on the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk to create its rise. The dough does not require any yeast or proofing time, which makes it a great option for novice bakers or for those short on time.
The key to making great Irish Soda Bread is to not overwork the dough. You want to mix the ingredients until just combined and knead it only enough to bring it together. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense bread.
This bread is great served warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey or jam. It also makes a great accompaniment to soups and stews. Give this recipe a try and add a touch of Ireland to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!