Traditional Irish Soda Bread Delight
Experience the true essence of Ireland with this authentic soda bread recipe, handed down through generations and cherished in homes across the Emerald Isle. This quick bread is yeast-free, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a simple yet flavorful accompaniment to their meals. Known for its hearty texture and slightly sweet flavor from the honey, this bread pairs beautifully with everything from a warm bowl of seafood chowder to a hearty morning meal. The addition of both wheat flour and self-rising flour gives it a unique character, making each slice a delightful treat. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted, this soda bread is sure to transport you to the rustic kitchens of Ireland with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
wheat flour
8 ounces (measure out for mixing)
self-rising flour
8 ounces (sift before mixing)
unsweetened plain yogurt
10-14 fluid ounces (measure out for mixing)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (measure out for mixing)
honey
1 tablespoon (measure out for mixing)
bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon (sift with self-rising flour)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (sift with self-rising flour)
salt
a pinch (sift with self-rising flour)
Instructions
1
Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) cake tin, preferably one with high walls for better support.
2
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 180°C (350°F) if using a fan-assisted oven.
3
In a large mixing bowl, sieve the self-rising flour along with the bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting is crucial to avoid a greenish tinge from the bicarbonate of soda.
4
Next, add the wheat flour directly to the bowl without sifting.
5
In a separate jug, combine the unsweetened plain yogurt, honey, and olive oil. Mix well until fully combined, then pour the wet mixture onto the flour mixture in the bowl.
6
Gently stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, sticky dough forms. The dough should be just combined and not overworked.
7
Flour your work surface lightly, then turn out the dough and knead it gently for about 20 turns. Remember not to over-knead; the goal is to make a round shape without compacting it too much.
8
Transfer the formed round dough to the prepared cake tin. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the dough, which helps with even baking and makes slicing easier later on.
9
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
10
Once cooked, allow the bread to cool slightly before turning it out onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, generously spread with real butter or your favorite topping, and enjoy with a lovely cup of sweet tea. This soda bread is also delightful when toasted!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Irish Soda Bread Delight?
It is an authentic, yeast-free quick bread handed down through generations, known for its hearty texture and slightly sweet honey flavor.
Does this recipe require yeast?
No, this is a yeast-free bread that uses bicarbonate of soda and baking powder as leavening agents.
How much wheat flour is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of wheat flour.
How much self-rising flour is required?
You will need 8 ounces of self-rising flour.
Why are both wheat and self-rising flour used?
The combination of both flours gives the bread its unique character and delightful texture.
What type of yogurt should I use?
Use 10 to 14 fluid ounces of unsweetened plain yogurt.
Why is honey added to the bread?
Honey is added to provide a slightly sweet flavor that characterizes this traditional recipe.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is mixed with the wet ingredients to help create a soft dough.
Why is sifting the bicarbonate of soda important?
Sifting the bicarbonate of soda is crucial to avoid leaving a greenish tinge in the finished bread.
Do I need to sift the wheat flour?
No, the wheat flour is added directly to the mixing bowl without sifting.
What size cake tin should I use?
An 8-inch (20 cm) cake tin is recommended for this recipe.
Why is a high-walled cake tin preferred?
High walls provide better support for the bread as it bakes and rises.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F), or 180°C (350°F) if using a fan-assisted oven.
How should I prepare the cake tin?
Grease and flour the tin before adding the dough to prevent sticking.
How do I mix the wet and dry ingredients?
Combine the yogurt, honey, and oil in a jug, then pour this mixture into the sifted dry ingredients.
What kind of spoon should I use for mixing?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the mixture until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Should the dough be heavily worked?
No, the dough should be just combined and not overworked to maintain the proper texture.
How much kneading is required?
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 20 turns.
What is the purpose of cutting a cross on top of the dough?
Cutting a deep cross helps the bread bake evenly and makes it easier to slice later.
How long does the soda bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately 45 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
What is the best way to cool the bread?
Allow it to cool slightly in the tin, then turn it out onto a wire rack.
How should Irish Soda Bread be served?
Serve it warm or at room temperature, generously spread with real butter.
Can this bread be toasted?
Yes, this soda bread is delightful when toasted.
What beverage pairs well with this bread?
It is traditionally enjoyed with a lovely cup of sweet tea.
What savory dishes pair well with this bread?
It is an ideal accompaniment to seafood chowder or a hearty morning meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: wheat flour, self-rising flour, yogurt, olive oil, honey, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and salt.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is a quick bread because it does not require time for yeast to rise.
What texture should the dough have before kneading?
The dough should be soft and sticky before being turned out onto a floured surface.
Can I substitute the yogurt?
The recipe specifically calls for unsweetened plain yogurt to achieve the authentic taste and texture.