Description
Traditional Irish Soda Bread is a delightful and straightforward recipe that has been cherished for generations. This simple bread requires no yeast, making it an ideal choice for beginners and busy bakers alike. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm, crusty loaf that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or butter. In this article, we’ll take you through each step of making this classic bread at home.
Ingredients
Flour
All-purpose flour is the main component of traditional Irish soda bread. You will need about 4 cups (500g) for the recipe. Flour provides structure and texture to the bread.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is essential as it acts as the leavening agent in this recipe. You will require 1 teaspoon. It reacts with the buttermilk to create bubbles that help the dough rise.
Salt
Salt adds flavor to your soda bread. Use 1 teaspoon for balancing the sweetness of the flour and enhancing overall taste.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk gives the bread its signature tangy flavor and moist texture. You need about 1 and ½ cups (360ml). Its acidity helps activate the baking soda.
Optional Ingredients
You can add raisins or caraway seeds for extra flavor and texture. If desired, use up to 1 cup of raisins or 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds to customize your loaf.