Irish soda bread

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    Our Best Irish Bakes for St. Patrick’s Day

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    St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, and we’re ready to dive into the world of Irish baking. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly baked soda bread, the rich taste of gur cake, or adding Guinness to a batch of brownies, these Irish bakes will add a pinch of magic to any celebration.

    A true Irish delight, Gur Cake goes by a number of quirky names, from chester cake to donkey’s gudge. At its origin, the name “gur” is believed to hail from the term “gurrier,” a nickname for children skipping school who would purchase this affordable treat at bakeries. With a sticky and sweet fruit filling made up of chewy Valley Fig Growers’ California Figs and leftover sponge cake soaked in strongly brewed Irish breakfast tea, this cake is as economical as it is delicious. Rich, caramel notes from the figs marry effortlessly with the combination of warm spices found in the cake, and two layers of flaky Shortcrust Pastry add just the right amount of buttery bite. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a St. Patty’s Day celebration, the Gur Cake is a fig-filled wonder you won’t want to miss.

    Northern Ireland has its own signature take on soda bread in the form of farl wedges, derived from the Gaelic word fardel, roughly translated to “four part.” Though they’re traditionally baked on an open-hearth flame, we baked our farls on the more modern griddle. In keeping with the methods of the Old World, though, we harned the dough—turning and cooking the sides of the farl to make sharp, crisp edges.

    Like your coffee cake with a little kick? Irish cream liqueur gives this Berries & Irish Cream Coffee Cake, brimming with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, an extra-fluffy crumb and rich flavor.

    Raise a pint to your new favorite brownies – our Guinness Brownies! A double hit of extra stout beer in the batter and the frosting brings a tangy, hop-filled punch you never knew you needed.

    Behold: a nightcap coffee cake. Buzzing with espresso, topped with a sprinkling of espresso sugar, and packed with two layers of crumbly whiskey spiked streusel, this Irish Coffee Coffee Cake is a tender delicacy you’ll enjoy to the last crumb.

    The grand symbol of Ireland’s baking, Irish soda bread is defined not by the baking soda but by the soft white wheat that grows in Ireland. Low in gluten and protein, the soft Irish wheat receives a boost from baking soda, invented in the 1800s and an immediate game changer for Irish baking. Slashed with a cross and pricked to release heat—or fairies?—our traditional soda bread is enhanced with strong Irish Cheddar, fresh dill, and ground black pepper.

    County Cork’s misty seaside cliffs and rolling green pastures are home to the cows that make some of Ireland’s best Irish cream. After meeting the founder and experiencing the artisan nature of Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, we knew it was destined to be featured in this marble cake frosted with a buttercream that showcases the liqueur’s delicate flavor and incomparable quality.

    Like all other Irish soda breads, Irish brown soda bread needs the leavening power of baking soda to help make it rise to the occasion. Yet this take receives an earthy boost from whole wheat flour and a touch of sweetness from molasses while steel-cut oats, a staple of Irish agriculture, bring a bit of textured crunch to the top.

    Irish stout and chocolate are a winning combination that meets right at the corner of bitter and sweet in this Chocolate-Stout Coffee Loaf Cake. The stout is a boon to the cocoa flavor and the secret to this loaf-style coffee cake’s supremely tender texture. The alcohol inhibits gluten formation, yielding a particularly delicate crumb. LEGGI TUTTO

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    • in Recipes

      Easy Irish Soda Bread

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      This recipe for Easy Irish Soda Bread makes a hearty round loaf with a crunchy crust and soft interior. Using just five ingredients, it offers a taste of Ireland’s culinary heritage in every slice.

      Over the course of a few years, I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect Irish Soda Bread recipe. Both for my blog and personal enjoyment. At first, I tried recipes that were enriched with butter and eggs. But despite my efforts (and careful handling) the bread often turned out too dense or rubbery inside. It wasn’t until I pared down the ingredients that I saw real improvement. With just a handful of pantry staples, the bread turned out tender and moist. The best recipe had been there all along. Because the truly authentic and traditional Irish Soda Bread recipes  – the ones that sustained and preserved an entire nation – use only a few basic ingredients.
      The bread is a cherished staple of Irish cuisine. Born out of necessity during lean times, it’s practically a metaphor for the Irish people’s resourcefulness and resilience. This Easy Irish Soda Bread stems from the most traditional recipe, requiring just five basic ingredients. Or six, if you include raisins or currants.

      Irish Soda Bread History
      Historically, Ireland faced periods of hardship, particularly during the 19th century, marked by poverty, famine, and economic instability. Yeast was scarce and if available, expensive. Before I started researching in earnest, I wondered why the Irish people didn’t use brewer’s yeast like medieval Europe did. Because beer making was booming during that time! (Guinness was a massive brewery around the time of the Great Potato Famine, exporting beer throughout the world.) But commercialized production of brewer’s yeast made it an unsuitable leaven, and it wasn’t accessible to the average household. Instead, baking soda was favored because it was easier to find and inexpensive. This made it a practical choice for everyday baking. During these times, traditional Irish Soda Bread became a staple food for many families due to its simplicity, affordability, and ability to nourish.

      The Simplest Ingredients
      With just five basic ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. But the first order of business is to preheat your oven to 450°F. The bread comes together quickly and the oven needs to be ready to receive the freshly formed loaf.
      Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Now, be aware that sugar is a modern addition to this bread but we’re only using a little bit. This aids in developing a well-browned crusty crust during baking. And since we’re using a modern oven and not baking it in hot coals, I think it’s an acceptable concession. It also adds flavor and helps activate the baking soda. Along with the acid in the buttermilk, this gives the loaf proper rise.

      Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the buttermilk into the center. Stir briefly until the ingredients are just moistened. Watch the video at the end of this blog post that shows my stirring method. I mostly prod the mixture and turn it over until everything is moistened, which is less than 30 seconds, as to not overdevelop the gluten.

      Add Raisins or Currants
      At this stage, add the raisins or currants, if using. This is also a more modern addition that Irish families often add to their bread. Other mix-ins could include caraway seeds and herbs. Stir together until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Stir in the additions. Which takes about 10 more seconds.

      Shape the Dough
      Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and very gently – and very briefly – knead it together a few times until all the dough sticks together (about 3-4 turns). Pat it into a ball. Score a cross about 1″ deep in the center of the bread using a serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife.

      Here’s a plain loaf without the raisins. Which is slightly easier to score and makes a cleaner cut because there’s no raisins to drag the knife through.

      Bake at a High Temperature
      When first testing Irish Soda Bread recipes, the baking temperatures varied wildly from recipe to recipe. I’ve found that a higher temperature gets the job done effectively. It helps the bread to rise quickly, pushing apart the score marks in order to bake evenly throughout the entire loaf.
      Once the bread is formed and scored, transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately get it into the oven. Why the hurry? When the buttermilk is added to the dry ingredients, the lactic acid activates the baking soda. The reaction releases carbon dioxide gas which is the sole leaven in this bread – so, time’s a ticking!
      Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the exterior is brown, craggy and split at the score, and the bread is well-risen. Tap your knuckles on the bottom of the loaf and if it sounds hollow, it’s done. Then transfer it to a cooling rack.

      Serving Suggestions for Irish Soda Bread
      This bread pairs with all kinds of dishes, sweet and savory. And it really requires no special green-wearing holiday to enjoy it. Here are a few ways I like to eat it.

      Soup or Stew: Serve on the side of a bowl of soup or stew. The bread’s dense crumb is ideal for soaking up broth or sauces.
      Cheese Board: Build a board of Irish cheeses such as Dubliner sharp cheddar, Emerald Irish brie, and Somerdale Claddagh blue cheese. Serve toasted slices of Irish soda bread as an accompaniment instead of crackers.
      Irish Pub Fare: Pair the soda bread with classic pub fare such as shepherd’s pie or bangers and mash. The hearty nature of the bread definitely belongs in the same ‘comfort food’ family as these dishes.
      Corned Beef and Cabbage: This bread is perfect alongside a traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast of corned beef and cabbage. Its subtle sweetness compliments the savory meat and cabbage dish.
      Irish Tea Time: Enjoy Irish Soda Bread smeared with creamy Irish butter and your favorite jam or marmalade. Lemon curd and traditional clotted cream also go well with the bread’s dense crumb and tangy buttermilk flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite brewed tea.

      It seems a little crazy that something so simple can be so delicious. I firmly believe that the best version of Irish Soda Bread is the easiest. The absence of extraneous ingredients in the dough such as eggs and butter actually makes this bread more tender!

      Related recipe: 3 Ingredient Butter Me Not Muffins

      Easy Irish Soda Bread

      Heather Baird

      This Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe is straightforward in preparation with very simple ingredients. It makes a rustic, hearty round with a crunchy crust and soft interior. This versatile bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Serve it with corned beef and cabbage, or simply topped with Irish butter.Raisins or currants are a more modern addition to this bread, but they are delicious. Although completely optional.

      #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

      Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins

      Course Bread, BreakfastCuisine Irish

      Servings 10 slices

      Equipmentlarge baking sheetparchment paperserrated knife
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon granulated sugar2 cups buttermilk1 cup raisins or currants optional
      Instructions Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.Sift together the flour, soda, salt, and sugar over a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients; pour in the buttermilk. Mix together using a rubber spatula for about 30 seconds, until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Don’t overwork the dough – overmixing can make the interior rubbery. Add the raisins and mix in quickly, about 10 seconds more.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead briefly until the dough sticks together, about 3-4 turns. Form the dough into a ball. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.Score a cross in the top of the loaf using a large serrated knife, or a sharp chef’s knife, to about 1” depth. Immediately transfer the loaf to the preheated oven.Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaf is split at the cross, and the crust is craggy and well browned. The loaf should be well risen and have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom with your knuckles.Let bread cool slightly before slicing; serve warm. Use a serrated knife and sawing motions to slice the bread without flattening the crumb. Or, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Store airtight.
      NotesAvoid working the dough too much: It’s so easy to overdevelop the gluten in this dough by over-kneading or handling it too much. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together quickly until just moistened. This usually takes less than a minute.
      Don’t skip the cross: Scoring the bread is essential to this particular recipe, so that the bread splits when it rises and which helps the middle bake through. However, there’s more to it in Irish culture. Most Irish people believe you must bless the bread by putting a cross on it, to ward away evil. Can’t hurt, I say.
      Buttermilk substitute: For this recipe, place two tablespoons of white or cider vinegar in a large 4-cup capacity measure. Fill the cup to the 2 cup mark with whole milk and stir together. Use as a replacement for buttermilk in this recipe. While this isn’t going to produce the same tangy flavor and fluffy texture in this bread, in the name of resourcefulness – it will work.
      The Crust: This bread develops a very crusty, shatter-y, well browned crust. For me, that’s the whole point of this bread, to contrast the soft interior. However, if you’re someone who likes a softer crust, you can place the warm loaf in a bowl and cover with a tea towel. When the loaf is completely cool, the crust will be softened and somewhat easier to slice.

      Keyword all purpose flour, baking soda, buttermilk, easy recipe, fine grain salt, historical recipe, Irish cuisine, Irish Soda Bread, no butter, no eggs

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    • in Recipes

      Tomato Irish Soda Bread Dinner Rolls with Fried Shallot Butter

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      Recipe development by Kylie Mazon-Chambers
      Kylie Mazon-Chambers of the blog Cooking with Cocktail Rings came up with these delicious Irish soda bread dinner rolls after our trip to Ireland earlier this year. They’re studded with chopped sun-dried tomato pieces and just enough ground red pepper for a bit of a kick and, finally, topped with Irish Cheddar. Fine more Irish recipes in our July/August 2020 issue!
      Follow Kylie: cookingwithcocktailrings.com | @cookingwithcocktailrings

      Tomato Irish Soda Bread Dinner Rolls with Fried Shallot Butter

      3½ cups (438 grams) all-purpose flour
      1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
      1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
      1 teaspoon (2 grams) paprika
      ½ teaspoon ground red pepper
      1½ cups (360 grams) whole buttermilk
      ¼ cup (40 grams) diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
      ½ cup (52 grams) shredded sharp Irish Cheddar cheese
      Vegetable oil, for frying
      2 medium shallots (75 grams), thinly sliced
      10 tablespoons (140 grams) unsalted butter, softened
      1 teaspoon (3 grams) flaked sea salt

      Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
      In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, kosher salt, paprika, and red pepper until combined. Make a well in center.
      In a medium bowl, stir together buttermilk and tomatoes. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture. Using one hand like a claw, slowly fold flour mixture from sides of bowl into buttermilk mixture until dough is soft but not too wet.
      Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into an 8-inch square (1-inch thickness). Sprinkle with cheese. Using a sharp knife, cut into 9 squares, and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
      Bake until golden brown, about 18 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool on a wire rack.
      In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, pour oil to a depth of ½ inch, and heat over medium heat until an instant-read thermometer registers 350°F (180°C).
      Fry shallots, in batches if necessary, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes, adjusting heat as needed. Remove shallots using tongs, and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate for 5 minutes.
      In the work bowl of a food processor, place shallots, butter, and sea salt; pulse just until combined, and transfer to a small bowl. Serve at room temperature with warm rolls.

      If you don’t have crème fraîche, the same amount of mascarpone cheese or sour cream can be substituted. Coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, can be substituted for whiskey.

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      Soda Farls

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      Northern Ireland has its own signature take on soda bread in the form of farl wedges, derived from the Gaelic word fardel, roughly translated to “four part.” Though they’re traditionally baked on an open-hearth flame, we baked our farls on the more modern griddle. In keeping with the methods of the Old World, though, we harned the dough—turning and cooking the sides of the farl to make sharp, crisp edges.

      Soda Farls

      1⅔ cups (208 grams) all-purpose flour
      ¾ teaspoon (2.25 grams) kosher salt
      ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda
      3 tablespoons (42 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed and divided
      ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons (225 grams) whole buttermilk
      Herb Compound Butter (recipe follows)

      In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Using your fingers, cut in 2 tablespoons (28 grams) cold butter until mixture resembles bread crumbs. Make a well in center, and add buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, stir buttermilk into dry ingredients, working from center to outside of bowl, just until combined and a dough forms.
      Turn out dough onto a heavily floured surface, and flour top of dough. Using floured hands, tuck and rotate dough until edges are rounded and even. Pat into an 8-inch circle (½-inch thickness). Using a knife dipped in flour, cut into quarters.
      Preheat a cast-iron griddle to medium heat. (See Note.) Add remaining 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter to griddle.
      Brush and shake off any excess flour from dough quarters, and place, not touching, on hot griddle. Cook until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. (Bread will double in size and puff up; if you want a neater look, use knife or bench scraper to keep edges straight.) Turn, and cook until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. (If you tap bottom of loaf, it should sound hollow.) Stand each farl on its side, and place side by side. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes; repeat with remaining 2 sides. Serve warm with Herb Compound Butter.

      A 12-inch cast-iron skillet will work, too. Cook farls until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes per side.

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      Herb Compound Butter

      ½ cup (113 grams) salted butter, softened
      1 tablespoon (2 grams) chopped fresh dill
      1 tablespoon (2 grams) chopped fresh tarragon
      1 teaspoon (1 gram) lemon zest

      In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Let stand until softened before serving.

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