Description
Irish Soda Bread brings rustic charm straight from emerald landscapes to kitchen tables. Wholesome ingredients blend into a simple yet hearty loaf that connects generations with warm, comforting slices perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare oven at 450°F, positioning rack centrally for optimal heat distribution.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend dry ingredients, ensuring even mixture.
- Form a central depression in the dry ingredient mixture, creating a natural reservoir for buttermilk.
- Gradually incorporate buttermilk into the dry ingredients, using a fork to merge components until a thick, cohesive batter develops.
- Transition from fork to hands, gently transforming batter into a soft dough, carefully integrating remaining flour without excessive manipulation.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface, delicately shaping into a compact round approximately 6 inches wide and 1½ inches thick.
- Carefully place dough into a preheated cast-iron pan or Dutch oven, preparing for baking.
- Utilize a sharp knife to carve a distinctive cross pattern across the dough’s surface, allowing steam escape and promoting even baking.
- Initiate baking at 450°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 400°F, continuing baking for an additional 20 minutes.
- Confirm doneness by observing a deep golden exterior and firm internal texture.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack, allowing bread to rest and stabilize before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly sourced buttermilk for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in your soda bread.
- Minimal handling of the dough ensures a tender, light texture without developing tough gluten strands.
- Scoring a deep cross on top helps steam escape and promotes even baking, creating that classic Irish bread appearance.
- For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix and add xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg