Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. If using raisins, fold them into the dough.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it comes together into a smooth ball.
6. Place the dough into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
7. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep "X" into the top of the dough.
8. Brush the top of the dough with a little bit of buttermilk.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Temperature:
425°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 245
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 470mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to it.
- You can use currants or dried cranberries instead of raisins.
Variations:
- Add 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds to the dough for a traditional Irish flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overmix the dough or the bread will be tough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more buttermilk.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Storage instructions:
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bread sliced with butter and jam.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on top of the bread for a decorative touch.
Pairings:
Serve the bread with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is too dry, add a little more buttermilk next time.
- If the bread is too dense, make sure you don't overmix the dough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the bread is cooked all the way through before serving.
Food history:
Irish soda bread is a traditional Irish bread that dates back to the 1800s. It was originally made with just flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk, and was a staple in Irish households because it was easy to make with simple ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
The bread has a slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk and a subtle sweetness from the raisins.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bread warm with butter and jam for a delicious breakfast or snack.
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Region: Irish