Traditional Irish Soda Bread needs only four ingredients like flour, buttermilk, baking soda and salt. All the other ingredients like eggs, butter, raisins or any other dried fruits are all added to enhance flavor and taste.
Compared to the yeast breads, this Irish soda bread is a little dense but the taste and flavor are amazing. The buttermilk used in this recipe truly elevates the bread flavor to the whole new level.
Compared to the yeast breads, this Irish soda bread is a little dense but the taste and flavor are amazing. The buttermilk used in this recipe truly elevates the bread flavor to the whole new level.
This mini Irish soda bread is perfect for two people however this recipe can be easily doubled and quadrupled as you need. I have been making this bread for a while now and i really love how quickly it comes together and how versatile this bread is.
This Irish soda bread can be made as savory or as sweet. For savory versions, skip the raisins and reduce the sugar quantity to 1/2 tbsp. Savory Soda bread makes a nice accompaniment to the meal or as sides for the soup.
Adding raisins makes the bread mildly sweet and makes it suitable for breakfast or even as a snack. I really love my soda bread with a cup of tea for the evening. Don't know about the tradition on how to eat this bread, but trust me with a cup of Indian chai, it tastes so good.
Before moving on to the recipe, let's answer the most common questions about the Irish Soda Bread.
Why is it called as Irish Soda Bread?
Most commonly, breads are made with yeast as a leavening agent. But Irish Soda bread has baking soda as a leavening agent so in order to differentiate from the rest of the breads, it's known as "Soda Bread" and this bread is quite popular in Ireland, so it's known as "Irish Soda Bread" for the rest of the world.
Any substitute for Buttermilk ?
No, Buttermilk is the key ingredient for this soda bread. The acidity in the buttermilk reacts with soda and it helps to raise the bread.
If you don't have buttermilk, take a 1/2 cup of milk and add 1 tsp of lemon juice and rest it aside for 10 mins. Once it seems curdled, whisk it well and use it as the recipe mentioned.
Does baking powder work for this recipe?
Again No !! This recipe works only with baking soda !
How long can I store the Irish Soda Bread ?
It stays well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For more days, you can freeze the bread!
Any other tips of beginners
- Don't knead the dough like other bread dough. Once it all comes together, immediately shape them and it's good to go in the oven.
- Preheat the oven before starting mixing the dough because the baking soda starts to act quickly, so it's better to get the oven ready ahead.
- Making a cross on the dough helps to get that rustic look on the bread.
Mini Irish Soda Bread
Preparation Time : 10 mins | Cooking Time : 40 mins | Serves : 2
Recipe Category: Bread | Recipe Cuisine: Irish
Recipe Category: Bread | Recipe Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
All purpose flour - 1 cup
Buttermilk - 1/2 cup
Sugar - 1 tbsp
Cold Butter - 1 tbsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Baking soda -1/4 tsp
Raisins - 2 tbsp
Procedure
First preheat the oven at 375 F. In a bowl add the flour, sugar and salt.
Next add the baking soda and mix it well together. 
Then add the cold butter and mix it with the flour well with your hands until the butter is well incorporated into the flour. The flour should look like crumble.
Next add the raisins and buttermilk. Mix it well with your hands until it all comes together. 
Transfer the dough onto the working surface, sprinkle some flour to avoid sticking to your hands and make it as round. Grease the baking pan/ cast iron pan with butter. I have used 5 inches cast iron pan.
Transfer the dough to the cast iron pan and make a cross on the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Place it in the oven and bake it for 35- 40 mins or until the top turns golden brown and tapping the bread makes a hollow sound.
Transfer the bread into the cooling rack and let it cool completely. Cut and serve ! 
Delicious Irish Soda Bread is ready. Check out more Baking Recipes !
Notes:
- Cut the needed butter into small pieces and keep it in the freezer. It would be easy to mix it with the flour
- Keep an eye on the oven around 35 mins because every oven is little different.
- While measuring flour, don't pack the flour down and don't tap the measuring cup. Always spoon the flour and add into the cup.
- You can make this bread without raisins too.
In the Tips for Beginners section, the word "need" should be changed to "knead"
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for point out the "typo" error. I have updated the post now.
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