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Sunday, March 11, 2007

Irish Soda Bread

One hundred fifty years ago it was common to make bread using baking soda rather than yeast in parts of rural Ireland. That's where Irish soda bread gets its name. The practice of using baking soda started out of necessity. Yeast won't make dough rise unless the baker uses "strong" flour, which was scarce in parts of Ireland. Baking soda, however, could be counted on to leaven bread. The baking soda has to be combined with something acidic in order to do its magic. In this case, we've used buttermilk. So, not only is this a historic and tasty recipe; it's pretty foolproof, too.
Ingredients
2 cups white flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. butter, chilled
1 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups buttermilk or plain yogurt
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter until it is pea-sized. Stir in the raisins and buttermilk or yogurt. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead 1 minute, and shape into a disk. Cut an "X" in the top and bake on a greased baking sheet for 45 to 50 minutes. Makes one 8-inch-wide loaf.

11 comments:

Mary L. Briggs said...

I've made this before. So fun to make and even better to eat! It was the first loaf of bread my daughters ever made. Now they are confirmed bread makers.

Carole Burant said...

Hi SusieQ...thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment:-) I'm glad you did, I hadn't realized you had been visiting before!! lol I've just read some of your posts and have thoroughly enjoyed them...you have a beautiful family and they seem to keep you pretty busy! Love all the pictures from your travels, how amazing to have seen all these wonderful places!! As for the soda bread, I've never had that before but I'm printing the recipe to try it:-) Hope to see you again! xox

Betty Jo said...

I've heard of this bread, but have never made it. I'm sure my husband would love it. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe. Thanks so much for your visits and sweet comments on my blog. xoxoxo

Naturegirl said...

Love this bread thank you for the recipe I'll try it as I am married to an irish natureboy! hugs NG

Cheryl Wray said...

I just love seeing all of your recipes!!
I am definitely going to find some Irish recipes to try later on in the week, in celebration of St Paddy's Day!

Andi said...

This looks really good...I may have to try it. Have you made all of these wonderful recipe's you post? Where in the world do you find the time?

smilnsigh said...

Thank you for the *why* of Irish Soda Bread. Never heard that before. :-)

Mari-Nanci

smilnsigh said...

And I printed the recipe out too. :-)

Mari-Nanci

PAT said...

Hi SusieQ..I made Irish Soda Bread, when my children were young. Thank you for the recipe. I want to try it again!

Lovely blog!

Pat

Valerie said...

i have my father-in-law's receipe from the Old Sod and it is the BOMB! (and not an IRA bomb, neither)

Susie said...

Hi Suzie Q,
My Irish soda bread doesn't have the whole wheat flour, but otherwise is much the same. Great idea to add this for more whole grain!
xo