Grandma Dolores’ Classic Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Grandma Dolores’ Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This cherished recipe, passed down through generations, is a beloved staple for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and adding a touch of traditional Irish flavor to your table. Grandma Dolores, with her Irish heritage, always brought this soda bread to life with its simple yet rich taste. Although the caraway seeds are listed as optional, they impart a distinctive flavor that I find indispensable. If you’re unable to find caraway seeds, don’t worry—the bread will still be delicious, but the seeds elevate it to a whole new level. This Irish Soda Bread has a delightful texture and a subtle sweetness, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sweet unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup margarine, chilled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons dried currants
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Milk Mixture: Begin by placing the lemon juice into the bottom of a glass measuring cup. Add milk to the cup until it reaches the 1-cup mark. Do not stir. Let this mixture sit on your counter for 1 hour to curdle slightly, which will help the bread rise and develop a light texture.

2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan or pie plate to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. This process ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents any clumping.

4. Incorporate the Butter and Margarine: Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the chilled butter and margarine into the flour mixture. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a grainy texture. This step creates the tender crumb in your bread.

5. Add Dried Fruits and Caraway Seeds: Stir in the golden raisins, raisins, dried currants, and caraway seeds if using. The dried fruits and seeds will distribute throughout the dough, adding bursts of sweetness and a hint of spice.

6. Combine with Milk Mixture: Pour the curdled milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon just until all the ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the bread. The dough will be sticky, but this is normal.

7. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a flat surface and scrape the dough onto it. Flour your hands and gently knead the dough until it forms a ball, being careful not to knead too vigorously. This should take no more than 2 minutes. If the dough remains slightly sticky, that’s okay—this is different from traditional yeast bread.

8. Shape and Score the Dough: Place the dough ball into the prepared pan and flatten it slightly to form a thick disk. Using a serrated knife, make a deep cross on the surface of the bread. This traditional scoring helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a classic look.

9. Bake: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite jam.

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 204
• Fat: 5.7g
• Saturated Fat: 3.4g
• Cholesterol: 15.5mg
• Sodium: 410.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 34.1g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• Sugar: 7.4g
• Protein: 4.6g

Recipe Yield: Approximately 8-10 slices

This delightful bread brings the warmth and tradition of Irish baking into your home, making every slice a tribute to Grandma Dolores’ cherished recipe. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply enjoying a hearty meal, this Irish Soda Bread is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every crumb of this classic treat! 🍞💚