Irish Soda Bread | #SMOatHome Kitchen Science
March 17, 2020
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We asked Annie, our programs camp manager, what she’s doing to keep her spirits up when she’s missing the spring break campers who were supposed to be at SMO this week.
She told us she’s using a chemical reaction to make Irish Soda Bread to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! She just needs a few ingredients and an oven. When the acid of the buttermilk reacts to the baking soda, tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide leaven the bread.
Using chemical reactions to make this tasty treat is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — soda bread has been made in Ireland since at least 1836! Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda as it was called back then, led soda bread to become an inexpensive staple of the Irish diet.
Find this 4-ingredient recipe below, and celebrate with some kitchen science!
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
- 4 c. Flour (sifted)
- 1 3/4 c. Buttermilk (or milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- Pre-heat oven to 400°
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you’ll need to sour some milk. Do this by adding two tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to just under two cups of milk and allow it to sit for five minutes while you prepare the dry ingredients.
- Sift your flour into a large mixing bowl, then whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Form a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in 1 3/4 cup of buttermilk or milk and vinegar mixture.
- Stir in buttermilk with a fork or spoon to create a sticky dough. If the dough is too dry, add additional buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- When the dough comes together, turn dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly — about three or four times.
- Form a large ball.
- Shape the loaf into a round ball, slightly flattening the top.
- With a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of your loaf.
- Place loaf on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with buttermilk (and melted butter if you prefer).
- Cook in the oven for 45 minutes.
- After 25-30 minutes, check if your bread is getting too brown. You’ll probably want to tent it with aluminum foil at that point.
Bread is ready when the center X looks baked through and a toothpick comes out clean. Tap the bottom of the loaf — does it sound hollow? Then it’s ready! Cover with a tea towel, moistened with sprinkles of water, and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before breaking into your loaves. Serve warm with salted butter and honey or dip it into your favorite soup or stew.
FAQs
It's supposed to look a little shaggy. Score the top of the dough with an “X” before baking. This helps the center bake through. You can bake Irish soda bread on a baking sheet, in a baking pan, or in a cast iron skillet.
What is the meaning behind Irish soda bread? ›
Inside the Origin of Irish Soda Bread
Today, this traditional treat is a symbol of celebration for many, relied on to soak up one-too-many green beers or whiskeys. However, the bread's history in Ireland began more out of practical necessity than culinary fun.
Can you guess why Irish soda bread loaves have a cross across the top? ›
Legend and symbolism aside, there's a practical reason for the cruciform shape to be cut into the top of the dough. Slashing the dough lets heat penetrate into the thickest part of the bread and allows the bread to stretch and expand as it rises.
How can you tell when Irish soda bread is done? ›
The most traditional doneness test calls for thumping the hot bread in the center to hear if it's hollow-sounding. A more foolproof indication is temperature; the loaf will register 200°F to 205°F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted in the center of the bread. Let the bread cool.
Is soda bread good for your stomach? ›
A traditional staple in Ireland and made simply from flour, buttermilk, baking powder and salt. Soda bread is quick to prepare and is a low-fat, yeast-free option. It may help alleviate symptoms of bloating and discomfort.
Is there a difference between soda bread and Irish soda bread? ›
Sweeter Soda Bread
On this side of the Atlantic, what we call "Irish soda bread" is more rich and sweet, usually studded with raisins and caraway seeds.
Do people in Ireland eat Irish soda bread? ›
Each country has its “national” bread with recipes dating back to their forefathers. Ireland, for one, has embraced it's kind of bread – the soda bread. It is a basic staple among the Irish that they call it Irish Soda Bread. It's common to see the locals pair this famous bread with a bottle of Guinness too.
Should you refrigerate Irish soda bread? ›
Tightly wrap your leftover bread and place it in an airtight container. There's no need to refrigerate. As for how long soda bread lasts: Irish soda bread tends to dry out faster than other breads. The bread will be good for 3-4 days or up to three months if frozen.
Why is my Irish soda bread gummy? ›
And finally, don't immediately cut into the Fast Irish Soda bread when you pull it out of the oven. Although this bread is best served warm, cutting into it too quickly will turn the bread gummy.
Can you over knead Irish soda bread? ›
You spent too much time kneading the dough. Baking soda starts to react and release its gas as soon as it comes into contact with the sour milk. Take too long and the gas will escape before the bread is baked.
Nutrition Notes
Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.
Should Irish soda bread dough be sticky? ›
Note that the dough will be a little sticky, and quite shaggy (a little like a shortcake biscuit dough). You want to work it just enough so the flour is just moistened and the dough just barely comes together. Shaggy is good. If you over-work the dough the bread will end up tough.
Why should you score bread? ›
"In the heat of the oven the loaf wants to expand; that expansion is also known as oven spring. If you don't cut the dough, the loaf will stay smaller but still have a blowout somewhere on its side," Tartine baker Chad Robertson explained in an interview he did with Food & Wine in 2017.
Why did my Irish soda bread fall apart? ›
Too much liquid added, or it hasn't been baked enough. It should go on the top shelf of the oven and it should be baked for at least 30-35 minutes.
What is the best way to serve Irish soda bread? ›
The traditional way of serving your Irish soda bread is serving the loaf while it's warm with butter. Spread a thick layer of your butter on the slice and revel on the hearty flavor exploding in your mouth.
