Sally’s Foolproof Irish Soda Bread Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day

Sally’s Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Sally, our charming Irish neighbor, swore by this soda bread recipe as the simplest one out there, perfect for anyone, regardless of their heritage. Her promise? Even those of us who aren’t Irish can whip it up with ease, and boy, was she right! Now, every St. Patrick’s Day, you can enjoy a slice of this delightful bread and celebrate in style. Let’s dive into making this classic Irish treat that’s as straightforward as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup butter (cold and cut into small pieces)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by sifting together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. This helps ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans with Cashews and Cellophane Noodles
   • 
     🌞🧁 Sunrise Bliss Muffins: Heavenly Carrot Cake-Inspired Delights! 🌞🧁
   • 
     Slow Cooker Super Saucy Pork Chops with Rice
   • 
     Golden Honey Cinnamon Graham Crackers: A Homemade Delight 🍯✨

2. Incorporate the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. This step is crucial for achieving that tender texture.

3. Add the Raisins: Stir the raisins into the flour mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

4. Make the Sour Milk: Combine the milk and vinegar in a separate bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a sour milk substitute that’s essential for the bread’s texture and flavor.

5. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg and then mix it into the sour milk, ensuring everything is well combined.

6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.

7. Prepare the Pan: Grease a cast iron skillet or a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

8. Shape and Slash the Dough: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Use a knife to make a shallow X-shaped cut down the center of the dough. This traditional slash helps the bread cook evenly and gives it that classic soda bread appearance.

9. Bake: Place the pan in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite jam.

Serving Suggestion

This soda bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a hearty accompaniment to soups and stews. Its slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb make it a versatile addition to any meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 1988 (for the entire loaf)
• Fat: 60.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 35.3 grams
• Cholesterol: 359.1 milligrams
• Sodium: 1855.1 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 325.9 grams
• Fiber: 9.4 grams
• Sugar: 110.5 grams
• Protein: 40.8 grams

Note: The nutritional information is calculated based on the entire loaf. Adjustments will be needed based on individual serving sizes.

Tips for Success

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is cold; this helps create a tender crumb.
• Mixing: Do not overmix the dough. The less you handle it, the lighter the bread will be.
• Pan Choice: A cast iron skillet provides an even heat distribution, but a regular loaf pan will work just as well.

Enjoy making and sharing Sally’s Irish Soda Bread with your family and friends. It’s a delightful way to bring a touch of Irish tradition to your table! 🍞🍀