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Irish Soda Bread

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This easy Irish Soda Bread is a comforting and versatile loaf made with simple ingredients like flour, buttermilk, and baking soda. With a slightly sweet flavor and a dense, moist crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, tea, or as a side to soups and stews. Optionally add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/4 cup for dusting

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp baking soda

6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, plus 1/2 Tbsp to grease pan

1 3/4 cups cold lowfat buttermilk or kefir

1 large egg, cold

1 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.

  • Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, sea salt, and baking soda.

  • Cut in the Butter: Add cold butter in cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  • Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk (or kefir) and egg. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until the dough just comes together—don’t overmix.

  • Add Raisins (Optional): If desired, fold in the raisins or dried cranberries.

  • Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in the prepared pan.

  • Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to score an “X” on top of the dough to help it bake evenly.

  • Bake the Bread: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

  • Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Traditional Version: Omit raisins or dried cranberries and reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons for a more savory flavor.

Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Herb-Infused: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients for a savory twist.

Vegan Option: Use non-dairy buttermilk (like almond milk with vinegar) and replace the egg with a flax egg.

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/irish-soda-bread/