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
Equipment You'll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire Rack
- Non-stick loaf tin (900g/ 2lb)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200C (400F/Gas 6) for about 15 minutes
- Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt in the large bowl
- Make a well in the centre and pour in all the buttermilk. Stir gently and quickly. It should be soft but not sticky
- 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 😉)
- Place in the oven for 45 minutes
- When ready the tin should sound hollow when tapped
- Place on a wire rack to cool
- Finally, cut into slices and serve with butter (or however you like it)
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!
