Easy Irish Soda Bread (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
03 -
1 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 -
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour or line it with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
03 -
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Stir with a fork until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too wet or sticky.
04 -
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a few times to bring it together into a round loaf. Avoid over-kneading to prevent toughness.
05 -
Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut a deep X into the top, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
07 -
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For a sweeter bread, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients.
02 -
Raisins, dried cranberries, or caraway seeds can be added for extra flavor.
03 -
If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 3/4 cups of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before use.
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and toasted for better flavor.