Rustic Irish Whole Wheat Soda Bread
Experience the hearty flavors of Ireland with this Rustic Irish Whole Wheat Soda Bread. Unlike sweetened alternatives, this traditional bread is unsweetened, allowing the natural flavors of whole grains to shine through. Ideal for pairing with robust dishes like Irish Stew, this quick recipe proves invaluable when you find yourself short on bread. Using whole wheat flour and oatmeal not only gives the bread a lovely texture but also boosts its nutritional value. Substitute buttermilk or fresh milk soured with lemon juice for a delightful tang. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you'll enjoy warm, fresh bread right from your oven in no time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour
500 g (Unbleached and sifted)
Strong white flour
150 g (Unbleached and sifted)
Oatmeal
50 g (Rolled or steel-cut)
Bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon (Fine granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Fine sea salt)
Sour milk
475-725 ml (Or fresh milk soured with the juice of 1/2 lemon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, strong white flour, oatmeal, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
Gradually pour in the sour milk, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands to form a soft, pliable dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a bit more milk until the desired consistency is reached.
4
Knead the dough gently on a floured surface, just enough to bring it together—avoid over-kneading to keep the bread light.
5
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a lightly greased baking sheet.
6
Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf to help it rise evenly during baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8
Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Irish Whole Wheat Soda Bread?
It is a traditional, unsweetened hearty bread from Ireland that uses whole grains and bicarbonate of soda for a rustic flavor and texture.
Is this bread recipe sweetened?
No, this traditional recipe is unsweetened to allow the natural flavors of the whole grains to shine.
What should I serve with Irish Soda Bread?
This bread is ideal for pairing with robust dishes such as Irish Stew.
What are the nutritional benefits of this bread?
Using whole wheat flour and oatmeal boosts the nutritional value and provides a lovely texture.
Can I substitute sour milk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk or use fresh milk soured with the juice of half a lemon.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) for baking.
How much whole wheat flour is required?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of unbleached and sifted whole wheat flour.
What is the purpose of adding strong white flour?
Strong white flour (150g) helps provide structure to the loaf.
What type of oatmeal should I use?
You can use 50 grams of either rolled or steel-cut oatmeal.
How much bicarbonate of soda is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of fine granulated bicarbonate of soda.
How much salt is added to the dough?
Use 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
How much sour milk should I prepare?
You will need between 475 ml and 725 ml of sour milk depending on the dough consistency.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
Combine the flours, oatmeal, soda, and salt in a large bowl and mix thoroughly for even distribution.
How should the milk be added to the flour mixture?
Gradually pour in the sour milk while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands.
What is the ideal consistency of the dough?
The dough should be soft and pliable, not too dry.
How much should I knead the soda bread dough?
Knead it gently on a floured surface only enough to bring it together.
Why is over-kneading bad for soda bread?
Avoiding over-kneading is crucial to keep the bread light and prevent it from becoming too dense.
What shape should the loaf be?
The dough should be shaped into a round loaf.
Why do you cut a cross into the top of the bread?
Cutting a deep cross into the top helps the loaf rise evenly during baking.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake the bread for 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I know if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Should I cool the bread before eating?
Allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack, though it is best served warm.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is a quick bread that does not require yeast or long proofing times.
What kind of baking sheet should I use?
Place the loaf on a lightly greased baking sheet.
What preparation is needed for the flour?
The flour should be unbleached and sifted before use.
Does this recipe contain yeast?
No, it uses bicarbonate of soda as the leavening agent.
Can I use lemon juice to sour regular milk?
Yes, use the juice of 1/2 a lemon mixed into fresh milk as a substitute for sour milk.
What texture does the oatmeal provide?
The oatmeal gives the bread a lovely, slightly textured crumb.
Is this bread suitable for making when short on time?
Yes, it is an invaluable recipe for when you find yourself short on bread and need a fast solution.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Irish bread, soda bread, quick bread, and whole wheat.