Irish Soda Bread is a delightful bread that is prepared similar to a biscuit, resulting in a tender and delicious loaf. This traditional bread is quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. With its simple yet satisfying flavors, Irish Soda Bread has become a beloved staple in many households. The combination of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, butter, eggs, buttermilk, and raisins creates a flavorful and slightly sweet bread that can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a meal. Whether you have Irish heritage or simply appreciate a tasty homemade bread, Irish Soda Bread is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious bread!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup raisins
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and buttermilk together. Stir the egg and buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture until just moistened. Fold in the raisins.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 1 minute. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Cut a ¼-inch-deep cross on the top of the loaf. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the loaf.
- Bake the bread at 375°F for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
YIELD: 6-8 servings
PREP TIME: 15 minutes BAKE TIME: 30-35 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Be careful not to overmix the dough. Mixing it just until moistened will help maintain the tender texture of the bread.
- For a variation, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of caraway seeds to the dry ingredients to create Caraway Irish Soda Bread.
TIPS:
- Serve Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own or spread with butter and jam.
- Customize the bread by adding other dried fruits or nuts of your choice. Try cranberries, currants, or chopped walnuts for different flavor profiles.
- Enjoy Irish Soda Bread as a side with soups, stews, or alongside a hearty Irish meal.
In conclusion, Irish Soda Bread is a delightful bread that resembles a biscuit in its preparation. This quick and easy bread is known for its tender texture and simple yet satisfying flavors. With a combination of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, butter, eggs, buttermilk, and raisins, Irish Soda Bread is a flavorful and slightly sweet treat.
To create this delicious bread, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk, then stir it into the dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in the raisins, then knead the dough briefly before shaping it into a round loaf. Brush the loaf with beaten egg and bake it until golden brown.
Irish Soda Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. Customize the bread by adding caraway seeds or other dried fruits and nuts of your choice. It makes a perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or a hearty Irish meal.
So, embrace the simplicity and flavors of Irish Soda Bread and enjoy this tasty treat. Whether you have Irish heritage or simply appreciate homemade bread, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.
