#MiddleburyCT #IrishSodaBread
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, what better way to celebrate than by embarking on a journey into the heart of Ireland with the time-honored tradition of making hearty, soul-warming Irish soda bread? Irish soda bread is not just a tasty treat, it’s also a symbol of Irish heritage and resilience. Its humble origins reflect the resourcefulness of the Irish people during challenging times, making it a beloved part of Irish culinary tradition.
There is an organization – The Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread – that is very serious about defending this tradition. So, I’d better get it right.
One of the charms of Irish soda bread lies in its simplicity. Traditional recipes call for just four main ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk (although I add a pinch of sugar to mine). This straightforward recipe makes it easy to whip up a loaf at a moment’s notice with the bonus of costing less than a dollar! This truly qualifies as frugal and fabulous.
Unlike yeast bread, which requires time for the dough to rise, Irish soda bread can be made quickly. The wheat grown in Ireland is very soft with low protein, like cake flour, and doesn’t rise well using yeast. But it’s perfect for making soda bread. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acidic buttermilk causes the bread to rise immediately, resulting in a loaf that’s ready to bake right away.
There is a charming folk belief surrounding the cross sliced into Irish soda bread. While the practical purpose of the cross is indeed to help the bread bake evenly, folklore suggests that it also serves another, more whimsical function: to let the fairies out. According to this tradition, the cross is meant to ward off evil spirits and protect the household.
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Yield: One loaf or 4 to 6 servings
Total Time: 1 hour
Irish soda bread pairs well with butter and jam, use it for sandwiches, or alongside a hearty stew. (JasonCoblentz.com photo)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 3/4 cups (14 ounces) buttermilk or soured milk, see below
If you’re going to “sour” milk instead of using buttermilk, mix 1 3/4 cups milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice. Let this rest for 5 minutes. It should look slightly curdled. If it’s not, then add a bit more vinegar or lemon.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, sift and combine the dry ingredients. Make a well in the middle and add buttermilk, mixing by hand or with a fork to form a sticky dough. Place on floured surface and lightly knead, just enough to bring it together into a round. Resist the urge to over knead, or the bread will be gummy.
Form a round flat shape and cut a cross in the top of the dough to bake more evenly (and let the fairies out).
You have choices for how to bake this: You can bake it in an oiled but not preheated cast iron skillet, in a greased and floured round cake pan or on a greased baking sheet. They all work. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. When done, the bottom of the bread will sound hollow when tapped. I like to brush the crust with melted butter. Serve warm, slathered with more butter.
Irish soda bread is not only a tasty and versatile treat, but it also carries with it a rich history and cultural significance. Plus, it’s a cinch to make! Why not give it a try in your own kitchen? Erin go bragh!
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com
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