Easy Wholemeal Soda Bread
User Reviews
5
Easy Wholemeal Soda Bread
Description
This soda bread combines wholemeal flour and bicarbonate of soda to create a quick bread that requires no yeast or rising time. The buttermilk provides acidity that activates the bicarbonate, producing a light crumb despite the coarse wholemeal flour. The dough is mixed to a rough ball, with a deep cross scored on top to help the center cook thoroughly and provide a rustic look.
The bread bakes at a high temperature until a firm crust forms, contrasting with the soft interior. It pairs well with savory accompaniments such as soups, salads, cheeses, or cured meats, making it a versatile addition to meals.
Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk soured with lemon juice or vinegar, or natural yogurt. For dietary adaptations, dairy-free milk combined with an acid can replace the buttermilk. The bicarbonate of soda used here is critical for correct rising and should not be replaced by baking powder. The bread freezes well for future use.
Ingredients
- 350 g wholemeal flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (see notes)
- 285 ml buttermilk (for alternatives see notes)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220C / 200C / gas mark 7 / 425F. Dust a baking tray (I actually use a pizza tray) with a little plain flour.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly. Tip in the buttermilk and stir to combine.
- Keep stirring until the ingredients come together as a dough, then squidge together to form a ball.
- Place the ball of dough on your baking tray and cut a deep cross in the centre. This is really important as it helps the centre of the bread to cook properly – so cut nice and deep, almost to the bottom.
- If you wish, you can dust the loaf with a little flour, then place the bread in your preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Serve with soup, salad, or cheese, olives and cold meats.
Notes
- Substitute buttermilk with 200ml milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar for a similar acid effect.
- You can use natural yogurt as an alternative to buttermilk.
- For dairy-free or vegan versions, replace regular milk with dairy-free milk and add an acid like lemon juice or vinegar.
- Ensure you use bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), not baking powder, to get the proper rise.
- This bread freezes well for convenient storage and later use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 170 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 170kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 465mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 206mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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