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Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Traditional Irish Soda Bread
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Bake delicious Traditional Irish Soda Bread effortlessly! Enjoy this classic, comforting treat. Try it today!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for direct baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined. This ensures even leavening.
  • Pour in the cold buttermilk. Use your hands, a wooden spoon, or a sturdy spatula to gently mix the ingredients until just combined into a shaggy, wet, and sticky dough. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough loaf.
  • If adding raisins and caraway seeds, lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Flatten the dough into a rough disc or rectangle, sprinkle the raisins and caraway seeds evenly over the surface, then gently fold the dough over a few times (3-4 turns) to incorporate without kneading.
  • Form the dough into a round loaf, roughly 7-8 inches in diameter and about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Handle the dough as little as possible. Transfer the shaped loaf to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Using a sharp knife or razor blade, cut a deep ‘X’ into the top of the loaf, extending almost to the edges and halfway through the dough. Melt the unsalted butter and generously brush the entire surface of the loaf.
  • Place the loaf into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should be 200-210°F (93-99°C).
  • For best results, cool the bread on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set completely. Slicing too soon can result in a gummy texture.

Notes

Discover the magic of a freshly baked loaf of Traditional Irish Soda Bread. This simple, rustic bread skips lengthy proofing, relying on baking soda and buttermilk for a wonderfully crusty exterior and a soft, tender, subtly tangy crumb. It’s comforting, hearty, and effortlessly delicious, perfect for any meal.

Find it online: https://thecozycuppa.com/easy-traditional-irish-soda-bread/