Ok Guys,
We are getting close to the big day.
Here is a classic recipe for Irish Soda Bread that I know you will LOVE!
If you don’t…just drink 3 Guinness and taste it again. I think you’ll change your mind.
You can buy it from so many places.
The supermarket, the bakery, heck, even your 24 hour convenience store may sell it,but it never is as good as when you bake it yourself.
It’s simple, inexpensive and trust me. You make it one time you will be hooked.
Not familiar with Irish Soda Bread?
The sugary top? The raisins? The “X” on top?
Many Irish soda bread recipes tell you that you need to make an “X” slashed into the top prior to baking.
According to history, there are a few reasons for this. Because Ireland is a primarily Catholic country, it may be in respect of the symbol of the cross and a blessing of the bread and giving thanks. It may also be to ward off the devil and to protect the household or most likely there is a more practical reason, like it allows the bread to stretch and expand as it rises. I also think that when you slash a cross into it you can easily divide the bread into breakable chunks.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and God Bless!
Irish Soda Bread
Cuisine: Irish FoodDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes40
minutes300
kcal55
minutesThis delicious Irish Soda Bread recipe will delight you and your guests on St. Patty’s Day and any day of the year.
Ingredients
4 cups all – purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
5 tbsp salted butter – softened
1 cup raisins
1 3/4 rd cup buttermilk
1 Lg egg – beaten
Directions
- In a large bowl add all dry ingredients except the raisins and mix thoroughly.
- Add the slightly softened butter (not melted) and work it into the flour by hand. Now add raisins, combine and make a well in the center of the bowl.
- Add the egg and about 90 % of the buttermilk and mix with until all ingredients are combined. The dough should not be too wet but if it need more milk then add a little at a time as you mix the dough.
- Wash and dry your hands now then dust them with flour. Pick up the dough and place it on a flour surface so that you can form it without it sticking to surface. DO NOT KNEAD the dough but instead gently pat the dough into a round form like a traditional soda bread.
- Place dough in a cast iron skillet and cut a deep cross into it then place in 425 degree oven for 35 – 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Using a thermometer make sure the inside temperature is 180 degrees and also when a tooth pick comes out of the center clean and if it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom you should be good to go. Place on a rack to cool.
- Slather with a good butter like Kerrygold and enjoy!
