Irish Soda Bread is a traditional and simple bread recipe that has been a staple in Irish households for generations. This recipe yields a rustic and hearty loaf with a dense crumb and a slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be sliced and toasted for a delicious treat the next day.
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups all-purpose flour*
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups buttermilk, plus a bit more if needed
METHOD:
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well combined. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in most of the buttermilk.
Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough seems dry, add a little more buttermilk if necessary, but be careful not to make the dough too wet.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for a minute or two until it forms a round loaf. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the bread tough.
Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to score a deep cross into the top of the loaf. Don’t skip this step. This helps the bread bake evenly and allows steam to escape.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 400°F and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Irish Soda Bread with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
* For a heartier loaf, replace two cups of the all-purpose flour with two cups of whole-wheat flour.
