Traditional Irish Soda Bread 🍞🇮🇪

This classic Irish soda bread is simple, hearty, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side with your favorite soup or stew. Made with simple ingredients, it boasts a lovely crust and a soft, warm interior. Slather it with butter, or enjoy it plain—it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the bread

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup of raisins, currants, or sultanas (for a sweet touch)
• 1/2 cup of caraway seeds (for a fragrant, earthy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. If you're adding any optional ingredients, mix them in at this stage.

🌾 Sifting the flour can help incorporate air and make your loaf lighter, but it's not always necessary for soda bread!

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough texture.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly—just enough to bring it together. Shape it into a round loaf.

5. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and score a deep cross on the top with a sharp knife. This helps the bread cook more evenly and gives it that classic look.

🔪 Scoring the bread is a traditional Irish method that both allows steam to escape and signifies the blessing of the bread.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack, if you can resist!

🧊 For an extra touch of warmth, serve it with fresh butter or homemade jam, straight from the oven.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure. 🥖
• Herbed Soda Bread: Fold in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
• Cheddar & Chive: Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives for a savory crowd-pleaser. 🧀
• Sweet Cinnamon Raisin: Use raisins or currants, add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and a bit of sugar to make a delightful breakfast treat.

Enjoy this traditional Irish delight, and may it bring warmth and comfort to your table! ☘️