Irish Soda Bread

Historically, soda bread was cooked in Irish homes with no oven. Soda bread recipes like this were either cooked on iron griddles or in large three-legged black iron pots over open turf fires.

Of course, you don't need a turf fire to enjoy this simple soda bread recipe!

The loaf itself is tender and dense. It's best consumed fresh, within 2-3 days.

Just 4 Ingredients In This Simple Soda Bread Recipe:

  • 450 g / pound of plain flour
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda / baking soda (NOT baking powder)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 400 ml / 12 to 15 ounces of buttermilk

Baking Irish soda bread

Equipment You'll Need:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wire Rack
  • Non-stick loaf tin (900g/ 2lb)

Slicing Irish Soda Bread

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F/Gas 6) for about 15 minutes
  2. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt in the large bowl
  3. Make a well in the centre and pour in all the buttermilk. Stir gently and quickly. It should be soft but not sticky
  4. Place in a non-stick loaf tin and cut a deep cross into it to let the heat penetrate while cooking (but more importantly to let the fairies out 😉)
  5. Place in the oven for 45 minutes
  6. When ready the tin should sound hollow when tapped
  7. Place on a wire rack to cool
  8. Finally, cut into slices and serve with butter (or however you like it)

Irish soda bread

Soda Bread Recipe Variations

There are many slight variations on this simple soda bread recipe.

  • Use brown flour instead of white.
  • Mixing in herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, chives, parsley or lemon balm go down a treat.
  • Sweet tooth? Why not add some sultanas or raisins or even some caster sugar?
  • Even cheese and bacon can be added!

Have fun and enjoy some tasty results!

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