Soda bread
Soda bread is a traditional Irish bread made with flour, oats, and buttermilk, using baking soda for leavening. This quick and easy recipe results in a dense yet tender loaf, perfect for enjoying with butter or jam.
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour1/2 cup oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
1.50 cups buttermilk
Soda bread is a traditional Irish bread that's quick and easy to make. Unlike other breads, it doesn’t require yeast, which means no waiting for the dough to rise. Instead, it uses baking soda and buttermilk as leavening agents to create a dense, yet tender crumb. Perfect for those who want fresh homemade bread without the time commitment, this recipe is a fantastic way to get rustic, flavorful bread on the table in under an hour.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose white wheat flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk.
- Use a spoon or your hands to mix the buttermilk into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is moistened.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently shape the dough into a round loaf. It should be about 1 1/2 inches thick.
- Place the shaped loaf onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a traditional soda bread appearance.
- Place the bread in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool.
- Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the soda bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with butter, jam, or a hearty stew.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious soda bread that's perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or enjoying with a pat of butter. This quick bread brings a taste of Ireland's culinary tradition right to your kitchen, offering wonderful flavor and texture without any of the fuss of yeast-based breads. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Soda bread FAQ:
Soda bread typically bakes for 30-35 minutes at 450°F (230°C). It's done when the loaf is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Soda bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or spelt flour. However, note that this may alter the texture and flavor.
Store leftover soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.
Tips:
- Ensure your buttermilk and baking soda are fresh and not expired, as these are key to the bread rising properly.
- Don't overmix the dough; stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened to keep the bread tender.
- For a slightly softer crust, wrap the bread in a clean tea towel as it cools.
- Cut a cross on the top of the dough before baking to help the bread cook evenly and allow any trapped air to escape.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 180kcal
Protein 4.78g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 1.70g
Sugar 0.19g
Fat 5g
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