IRISH SODA BREAD

MAKES 2 LOAVES

Irish Soda Bread is a quick, non-yeast bread. This recipe comes from a Jeff Smith Cookbook. He believes it is as close to the bread he was served in Ireland as it can be. It is very good.

INGREDIENTS

6 cups all-purpose flour (I use unbleached)

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2-1/2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375° F. Place all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Add the buttermilk all at once and stir just until a soft dough is formed. Remove to a lightly floured board or countertop and knead until everything comes together, about 1 minute, adding a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and shape each into a round loaf. Place on a large, ungreased baking sheet and flatten slightly with your hand. Cut a shallow cross on the top of each loaf with a sharp knife. Sprinkle tops with a little flour. Let rest for 10 minutes. Bake in the middle of the oven until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, about 30 to 40 minutes. Cool on baking racks. This is good as is and excellent toasted.

Note: I have used dried buttermilk with this recipe and it works very well. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Use your browser's BACK button to return to previous page
or go to the RECIPE INDEX.