Irish Soda Bread
User Reviews
4.5
Irish Soda Bread
Description
Irish Soda Bread is a traditional bread made without yeast, relying on the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk for leavening. Combining flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk by hand forms a dough that is shaped into a rustic loaf. Baking in a covered Dutch oven ensures a moist environment that promotes rise and a golden crust while keeping the crumb tender. Scoring a cross on top aids even rising and gives the bread its characteristic look.
The bread’s texture remains denser and more crumbly than yeast bread but offers a comforting chew and slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk. Baking uncovered at the end produces a crisp, browned crust. It is best served warm, often spread with butter, making it a satisfying accompaniment to soups, stews, or a simple snack.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, for at least 15 minutes. Cover the bottom of a large (5 qt) Dutch oven or cast iron with parchment paper (no need to trim) and reserve.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Gradually add the buttermilk, using your fingers to mix, until a dough comes together and you see no traces of flour or buttermilk. For a rustic loaf, stop handling as soon as the dough comes together. For a finer crumb and smoother crust, you can fold dough about 20 seconds more. Roughly shape it into a ball and transfer into prepared Dutch oven.
- Using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top, cleaning the blade in between each cut.
- Cover and bake until it's risen, about 45 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking until golden brown, about 10 to 15 more minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly in the Dutch oven. Then, transfer to a cooler rack and cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve while it's still warm, with butter, or as a side for stews and soups!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1loaf
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 174kcal | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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