With its soft texture and crusty exterior, Irish Soda Bread shows the beauty of simple baking. This simple recipe is excellent for when you want baked bread without the stress.
Ingredient
– 1 cup dried currants or raisins, optional– 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading and shaping the dough– 1 teaspoon baking soda– 1 teaspoon salt– 1 & 3/4 cups (414ml) buttermilkINSTRUCTIONS
Soak dried fruit in warm water for 10-15 minutes. To eliminate extra moisture, drain and paper towel dry.
Step 1
Step 1
Instructions
Heat the oven to 425°F. Lightly flour or silicone-line a baking sheet.
Step 2
Step 2
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Toss the currants with some flour, then add them to the flour mixture.
Step 3
Step 3
Make a well in the flour mixture and add buttermilk. Stir the dough with a fork or hands until it comes together.
Step 4
Step 4
Avoid over-kneading, which can toughen bread. Place the dough on the baking sheet and cut a deep X with a sharp knife to let it expand and bake evenly.
Step 5
Step 5
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and hollow when tapped. To check bread doneness with an instant-read thermometer, the center should be 190°F to 200°F.
Step 6
Step 6
After baking, let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.