Teresa's Recipes
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
This rustic Irish soda bread is a delightful treat, featuring a beautifully crusty exterior that gives way to a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for slathering with butter and enjoying alongside a hearty stew or simply as a snack with tea, this bread has its roots in Ireland's history, where it was once a staple for families. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a testament to the ingenuity of traditional cooking that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 3/4 cups Buttermilk
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft, shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 1 minute, just enough to bring it together.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, make a deep cross-shaped cut on the top of the loaf to help it rise evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a handful of raisins or caraway seeds into the dough.
- Serve warm with butter, or alongside a bowl of Irish stew for a traditional meal.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in a cloth to maintain its crustiness, or freeze for longer storage.