Irish soda bread is a seasonal treat that I think should be eaten year round. It is the perfect breakfast bread that gets its name from its country of origin and leavening agent. Instead of using yeast to rise, this recipe calls for baking soda and acidic buttermilk to do the trick. I suggest serving this particular bread with a generous helping of softened butter.

Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 ¾ cups cold buttermilk
1 extra large egg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest (Optional, but I did not use it.)
1 cup of dried raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and whisk together. With a fork, beat the buttermilk and egg (and orange zest if added) together and added to the flour mixture. Add in the raisins and mix.
3. Place the dough on a well floured board and knead into a round ball. Cut in half. Score an X about ¾ of an inch into the top of each loaf.
4. Bake for 45-55 minutes. It is ready when you tap the loaf and you hear a hollow sound.
5. Cool on a baking rack and serve generously with butter.
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