2 Recipes for How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Bake a Traditional Ireland Treat for St. Patrick's Day or Anytime

© Janienne Jennrich

Mar 9, 2009

A familiar round loaf of Irish Soda Bread is a a popular treat to go with any meal and makes a wonderful snack as well. There are many variations one can make, such as baked or fried, plain or with raisins (called Spotted Dog) or other fruit, or buttermilk.

Soda Bread is lovely served with tea. See the article St. Patrick's Day Afternoon Tea Party Ideas for ideas.

Below one will find a modern and a traditional recipe for Irish style breads, in that order.

Recipe for Baked Irish Soda Bread (no raisins)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

1. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine.
3. Stir in buttermilk and egg, mixing until a dough is formed.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Knead dough slightly.
6. Form dough into a round shape and place onto baking sheet.
7. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
8. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 40 to 50 minutes.
9. Optional: Brush the loaf with the butter mixture while bread is baking.

Let cool at least slightly, but feel free to enjoy warm with melted butter or jam. Delicious!

What Makes a True Irish Soda Bread?

According to the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread, "Soda bread came long after St. Patrick in the mid 1840's when bicarbonate of soda (Bread Soda) as a leavening agent was used in Ireland to work with the 'soft' wheat grown there." They go on to say that basic soda bread is made with only flour, baking soda, salt, and soured milk (or buttermilk).

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (16 oz.) all purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 14 oz. buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

1. Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl sieve and combine flour, soda, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.
4. Place on floured surface and lightly knead (too much allows the gas to escape)
5. Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough.
6. Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
8. To test for doneness, tap on the bottom of the loaf, which will have a hollow sound when fully baked.
9. Cover the loaf with a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the towel to keep the bread moist until ready to serve.

Simple, only a wee bit of work, few ingredients, and a delicious addition to the table.

There is nothing quite like Irish Soda Bread to bring back memories year after year.

Come along inside... We'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place. ~The Wind in the Willow

Irish Soda Bread

Luck of the Irish: Shamrock

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