Irish Soda Bread Recipe: A No-Yeast Classic Bread for Every Occasion
Irish soda bread is a rustic and deliciously simple bread that requires no yeast. Perfect for beginners or anyone in a pinch, this bread is made with pantry staples and comes together in no time. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a loaf of soda bread that is crusty on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one loaf of soda bread:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread Flour (Manitoba) | 185g |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 185g |
| Whole Milk | 390g |
| Fine Salt | 9g |
| Baking Soda | 6g |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, approx. 1/8 loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Line a baking pan (20 cm in diameter on the surface, 18 cm at the base) with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour, and fine salt. Use a whisk to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flours.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredient
- Gradually pour the whole milk into the dry ingredients while mixing with your hand or a spatula.
- Continue mixing until the milk is fully absorbed, and the dough comes together into a slightly sticky and cohesive mass.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, gently spread and level the dough evenly across the surface of the pan.
Step 5: Score the Top
- Wet a sharp knife or scoring blade and make a cross-shaped incision on the top of the dough. This scoring helps the bread expand evenly during baking and is also a traditional feature of soda bread.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Soda bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or simply slathered with butter and jam for breakfast.
- For an Irish twist, serve with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Tips for Success
- Avoid overmixing the dough; soda bread doesn’t need kneading, and overhandling can make it dense.
- Use cold milk for better texture.
- If you like, you can add seeds, raisins, or herbs to the dough for a customized loaf.
Enjoy your homemade soda bread, a timeless recipe that is as versatile as it is satisfying!
