Recipe: Donal Skehan’s Irish Buttermilk Soda Bread
Soda bread is an amazingly easy, versatile recipe, and has stood the test of time as an Irish classic because it so simple. It is a no-knead, no-fuss style of bread, which is my kind of recipe! You can change this classic by adding lots of tasty things like sea salt, different cheeses, or even green garlic. It’s delicious on its own or served with a warm bowl of soup.
More from Donal Skehan
Testing Notes
I love soda breads since you don’t need a mixer or any rising time — just stir, form into a round, and bake! I’ve found that soda bread tastes the best the day it is made, but leftovers are fabulous toasted.
– Christine, April 2015
Irish Buttermilk Soda Bread
Serves 8 to 10
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups
bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/3 cups
whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons
baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon
salt
- 1 1/2 cups
buttermilk
- 1
large egg
- 1 teaspoon
honey
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with a little bread flour; set aside.
Combine the flours, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, measure out the buttermilk and then whisk in the egg and honey.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and then pour in the wet mixture. Using a wooden spoon, bring the mix together to form a dough. Add a little extra flour if you find the dough is too wet and sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and sprinkle lightly with flour. Form the dough into a ball, then shape it into a round, about 6 inches in diameter.
Transfer the round onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut an "X" about 1/2-inch deep from end to end. Sprinkle lightly with more flour.
Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. The bread is cooked when the bottom is tapped and sounds hollow. Remove to a wire rack and cool before slicing and enjoying with a little butter.
Recipe Notes
Recipe reprinted with permission from Donal Skehan's website.