Hearty Irish Soda Bread: A High Altitude Adaptation ๐พ๐
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 55 Minutes
Description:
This traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe has been adjusted for high altitudes, making it perfect for those living at higher elevations. At sea level, you would need to increase the baking soda to 2 teaspoons and lower the oven temperature to 350ยฐF. With its wholesome blend of white and whole wheat flours and a hint of sweetness from the sugar and raisins, this Irish Soda Bread is not only a classic but also a healthier alternative to many soda bread recipes. It’s an excellent choice to pair with St. Patrick’s Day favorites like Corned Beef and Cabbage. Enjoy the robust flavors and tender crumb of this time-honored bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white flour ๐พ
- 2 cups whole wheat flour ๐พ
- 6 tablespoons sugar ๐ฌ
- 1ยฝ teaspoons baking soda ๐ฅ
- 1 teaspoon salt ๐ง
- 4 tablespoons butter ๐ง
- 1ยฝ cups margarine ๐ง
- 1 cup buttermilk ๐ฅ
- 1 cup raisins ๐
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature to help your bread rise and bake evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a baking spray to coat the sheet.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed, creating a uniform mixture.
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Incorporate the Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and use two knives or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture. Continue cutting until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout. This process ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, contributing to a tender texture in the finished bread.
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Add the Buttermilk: Gradually stir in the buttermilk into the flour mixture. This will help bring the dough together and provide the necessary moisture. Mix until just combined, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
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Fold in the Raisins: Gently fold the raisins into the dough. These add a sweet and chewy element to each bite, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the bread.
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Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured bread board or countertop. Knead the dough lightly for about one minute to help it come together. Shape the dough into a large, round disk, smoothing out any rough edges.
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Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross (or “X”) into the top of the dough. This traditional cut helps the bread to cook evenly and gives it a characteristic appearance.
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Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You may also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to cut. Enjoy your freshly baked Irish Soda Bread as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 3006.4
- Fat: 58.4g
- Saturated Fat: 32.7g
- Cholesterol: 136.8mg
- Sodium: 5031.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 571.5g
- Fiber: 37.8g
- Sugar: 180.6g
- Protein: 74.6g
Yield: 1 loaf
This recipe yields a hearty and satisfying loaf of Irish Soda Bread, perfect for any occasion, especially when celebrating St. Patrickโs Day or enjoying a classic Irish meal. With its rich flavor and nutritious ingredients, itโs sure to become a favorite in your household. ๐
