Irish Soda Bread is a traditional, rustic loaf that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this bread is a breeze to make, yet it yields impressive results that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Preparation Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 7 minutes
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 cups | Flour |
| 1/4 cup | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 tsp | Caraway seeds |
| 1/3 cup | Shortening |
| 1 cup | Raisins |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 cup | Buttermilk |
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 277
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Cholesterol: 19.1mg
- Sodium: 435.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 47.8g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 13.2g
- Protein: 6.5g
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the bread.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure that they are well combined.
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Add Caraway Seeds: Stir in the caraway seeds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients mixture.
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Incorporate Shortening: Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps to achieve a flaky texture in the finished bread.
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Add Raisins: Mix in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The sweetness of the raisins adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the bread.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Then, stir in the buttermilk until the mixture is well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients mixture to the dry ingredients mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
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Knead Gently: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently about 10 times. This helps to bring the dough together and develop its structure.
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Shape the Dough: Place the dough on a floured baking sheet and pat it into a 7-inch round loaf. The rustic shape adds to the charm of this traditional bread.
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Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf with a cross or “X” shape. This not only enhances the appearance of the bread but also helps it to bake evenly.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet with the shaped dough in the preheated oven. Bake for about 55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, transfer the Irish Soda Bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with a smear of butter or your favorite jam.
Serving Suggestions
Irish Soda Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and accompaniments. Serve it alongside hearty soups and stews for a comforting meal, or enjoy it toasted with your favorite spreads for breakfast or brunch. For a festive touch, serve slices of warm soda bread with a dollop of creamy Irish butter for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
This recipe yields a loaf that’s crusty on the outside, with a tender crumb inside, and bursting with flavor from the sweet raisins and aromatic caraway seeds. It’s a versatile bread that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious homemade treat. Try making this Irish Soda Bread recipe today and share the love of baking with your friends and family! 🍞🍀
