Rustic Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread
This Rustic Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread is an authentic nod to traditional Irish baking, balancing dense and crumbly textures with a slight sweetness. From the treasured La Leche League's cookbook, _Whole Foods for the Whole Family_, this recipe is a delightful way to incorporate whole grains into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike. With no yeast or rising required, you will enjoy a homemade bread experience that feels true to its roots—shaped into round loaves and featuring that signature cross cutting. Serve it warm from the oven for a comforting addition to any meal, or toast it up for a delicious breakfast treat. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and rich flavors that make this bread a cherished family favorite!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour
4 cups (Sifted)
Baking powder
3 teaspoons (N/A)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Butter
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) (Cold, cut into small pieces)
Raisins or currants
1 1/4 cups (N/A)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Low-fat buttermilk
1 3/4 cups (Or substitute with 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt and 1/4 cup milk)
Molasses or honey
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a cookie sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3
Using two knives or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
4
Gently fold in the raisins or currants.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk (or yogurt and milk), and molasses (or honey).
6
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough begins to form.
7
At this point, use your hands to knead the dough gently in the bowl for about 3 minutes, until it becomes smooth and well combined.
8
Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheet.
9
Flatten each ball slightly and use a sharp knife to cut a 1/4-inch deep X on the top of each loaf.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
50
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread?
It is a traditional, dense, and crumbly Irish bread made with whole wheat flour and features a signature cross on top.
Is this a yeast-based bread?
No, this is a quick bread that uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents instead of yeast.
Does the dough need time to rise?
No rising time is required for this recipe, making it a fast and easy baking project.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe comes from the La Leche League's cookbook titled Whole Foods for the Whole Family.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes two round loaves of bread.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much whole wheat flour is required?
You will need 4 cups of sifted whole wheat flour.
Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt and 1/4 cup milk.
What sweeteners can be used in this bread?
You can use either 1 tablespoon of molasses or 1 tablespoon of honey.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of cold butter.
How should the butter be incorporated into the dry ingredients?
The cold butter should be cut into small pieces and then worked into the flour mixture with two knives or your fingers until it resembles coarse meal.
Are there any fruits in this soda bread?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 1/4 cups of raisins or currants.
Is kneading required for this dough?
Yes, the dough should be gently kneaded by hand in the bowl for about 3 minutes until it becomes smooth.
How long should the bread bake?
Bake the loaves for 35 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it on the bottom.
What is the purpose of the 'X' on the top of the loaf?
Cutting a 1/4-inch deep X is a traditional signature of Irish soda bread and helps the bread expand properly while baking.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 300 calories, 10g of fat, 50g of carbohydrates, and 7.5g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, its ease of preparation makes it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
What kind of baking sheet should I use?
A greased cookie sheet is recommended for baking the two loaves.
What is the texture of this bread?
The texture is described as dense and crumbly with a slight sweetness.
Can I use currants instead of raisins?
Yes, you can use either raisins or currants based on your preference.
How should I serve this bread?
It is best served warm from the oven or toasted for breakfast.
Does this bread contain eggs?
Yes, the recipe requires one beaten egg.
What are the main dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Is this bread considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy snack due to the use of whole grains and wholesome ingredients.
What does 'cut in the butter' mean?
It means mixing cold fat into flour until small crumbs form, preventing the fat from melting into the flour too early.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 4 cups of whole wheat flour should be sifted.
Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Yes, the recipe allows for either molasses or honey as the liquid sweetener.
Is this bread sweet?
It has a slight sweetness from the fruit and the tablespoon of molasses or honey.
How long should I let the bread cool?
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving to ensure it holds its shape.