There's not actually much soda in this Irish Soda bread, but there are plump raisins and caraway seeds. A bit of buttermilk brings it all together.
Irish Soda Bread
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Breads
Cuisine
Irish
Author:
Chef Madeline Rundella
Servings
1 loaf
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
If you can't find caraway seeds, don't stress! They're optional in this recipe. If you're curious, caraway tastes like a mix of anise, dill, and fennel seeds. They're found most often in rye bread.
Ingredients
-
4 cups unbleached flour + 3 tbsp for kneading
-
¼ cup sugar
-
2 tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
-
½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
-
1 cup raisins, plumped in hot water for 10 minutes
-
1 ⅓ cup buttermilk
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
2 large eggs
-
1 large egg white
For the Egg Wash:
-
1 large egg yolk
-
1 tsp water
Tools:
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Position rack to lower third of oven. Line two 8” round cake pans with parchment.
In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together three times. Stir in caraway, if using.
Cut butter into ½” cubes and add to flour. Using a butter knife or pastry blender, cut butter into flour until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in raisins.
In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk, baking soda, eggs, and egg white. Stir liquid into flour, blending with a fork. When absorbed, turn onto a floured surface.
Knead lightly for a minute or until smooth - mixture will be sticky! Divide in half.
Shape each piece into a ball. Flatten slightly and place into layer pan. Using razor blade, cut 4” cross ½” deep into center of each ball.
Combine egg yolk and water and brush onto surface of dough. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden-brown.