Rustic Brown Irish Soda Bread
This Rustic Brown Irish Soda Bread is a traditional Irish recipe, perfect for any occasion. The use of whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives the bread a hearty texture, while the buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess, making it a delightful companion to soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. It is quick to prepare, requiring no yeast or lengthy rising time, making it ideal for novice bakers and seasoned cooks alike. Gather your ingredients and bring a taste of Ireland to your table with this wholesome bread that promises to be a delightful addition to any meal.
16
Servings
85
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour
1 cup (sifted)
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (sifted)
Butter
3 tablespoons (cold and diced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Egg
2 (beaten, divided into two portions)
Buttermilk
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a greased baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure a well-combined dry mixture.
3
Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
In a separate bowl, combine one beaten egg with the buttermilk. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just moistened. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can toughen the bread.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for about 12 strokes, just until it holds together.
6
Shape the kneaded dough into a round loaf approximately 6 inches in diameter and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Using a sharp knife, cut a cross, about 4 inches long and 1/4 inch deep, into the top of the loaf to allow it to expand while baking.
8
Brush the top of the loaf with the second beaten egg to give it a beautiful, golden finish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10
Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
14g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Brown Irish Soda Bread?
It is a traditional Irish quick bread made with whole wheat and all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and no yeast.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 85 calories.
Does this bread require yeast?
No, this is a quick bread that uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents instead of yeast.
What flours are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown.
What role does buttermilk play in this bread?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess and reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise.
Why is a cross cut into the top of the loaf?
A cross is cut about 1/4 inch deep to allow the loaf to expand properly while baking.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of cold and diced butter.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 2 beaten eggs, divided for use in the dough and for the top wash.
How do I incorporate the butter?
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
How many times should I knead the dough?
Gently knead the dough for about 12 strokes, just until it holds together.
What size should the loaf be before baking?
Shape the dough into a round loaf approximately 6 inches in diameter.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Is there any rising time needed?
No, there is no lengthy rising time required for this soda bread recipe.
What should I do with the second portion of the beaten egg?
Brush it over the top of the loaf before baking to give it a golden finish.
What are the fat and protein contents per serving?
Each serving has 2.5g of fat and 2.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together to ensure they are well-combined.
What kind of texture does this bread have?
The use of whole wheat flour gives the bread a hearty and rustic texture.
What are some suggested pairings for this bread?
It is a great companion to soups and stews, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter.
What happens if I over-mix the dough?
Over-mixing the dough can result in a tougher bread texture.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What is the amount of salt in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Where should the bread cool?
Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
How much buttermilk is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of buttermilk.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed to be easy for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks.
What surface should I use for kneading?
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface for kneading.