Certainly! Here’s a traditional recipe for Irish Soda Bread, which is a classic staple in Irish cuisine. It’s known for being quick and easy to prepare as it doesn’t require yeast or lengthy proofing times.
Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons sugar (if you like a slightly sweet bread)
- 1 cup raisins or currants (for a sweet version)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If you’re using sugar, add it at this stage as well.
- Add the buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until a soft dough forms. If you’re adding raisins or currants, incorporate them into the dough now.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it comes together. Be careful not to over-knead; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the loaf: Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) on the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand properly while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Irish Soda Bread with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty soup or stew!
