Irish Soda Bread

I’m not Irish, but that doesn’t mean I can’t like corn beef or Irish soda bread.  I’ll be sharing some Irish recipes with you for a couple of days in honor of St. Pat’s Day coming up March 17^th.  

It is such a super simple bread to make.

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and stir together. Add buttermilk and mix with a large spoon (or with your hands, shaping your fingers into a "claw") until the dough comes together. You might need two tablespoons more or less buttermilk depending on the weather. The dough should be moist, but not so sticky it is very hard to handle.

Shape into a round and place on baking sheet. Cut an X into the top with a sharp knife and bake for about 45 minutes, until dark golden. A toothpick will come out clean.

Cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Bread is best served soon after baking while it is warm enough to melt your butter.  Try serving it with green mint jelly.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing corn beef.  It takes at least 5 days to marinate, so need to get started well before St. Patty's Day.

Be happy and may God bless you and yours.