Grandma's sweet Irish soda bread recipe Sugar Geek Show from sugargeekshow.com
Introduction
Irish soda bread is a traditional Irish bread that is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. It is a staple in Irish households and is enjoyed with butter and jam, as well as with soups and stews.
Ingredients
To make Irish soda bread, you will need the following ingredients:
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 and 3/4 cups of buttermilk
Flour
The flour used in Irish soda bread is typically all-purpose flour. You can use other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, but the texture and taste of the bread will be different.
Salt
Salt is used to enhance the flavor of the bread. You can use regular table salt or sea salt.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is the leavening agent used in Irish soda bread. It reacts with the buttermilk to create carbon dioxide, which causes the bread to rise.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is used to moisten the dough and react with the baking soda. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
Instructions
To make Irish soda bread, follow these instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and uniform.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, score the top of the bread with a deep X.
Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Kneading
Kneading the dough is an important step in making Irish soda bread. It helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and texture.
Scoring
Scoring the top of the bread with a deep X allows the bread to expand and rise during baking. It also gives the bread a distinctive look.
Nutrition
Irish soda bread is a relatively healthy bread option, as it does not contain any added sugar or fat. However, it is high in carbohydrates and sodium.
Carbohydrates
One slice of Irish soda bread (1/12 of a loaf) contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Sodium
One slice of Irish soda bread contains approximately 400 milligrams of sodium. If you are on a low-sodium diet, you may want to limit your consumption of Irish soda bread.
Vitamins and Minerals
Irish soda bread is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including iron, thiamin, and niacin. However, the exact nutrient content will vary depending on the type of flour and buttermilk used.
Conclusion
Irish soda bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with butter and jam or as an accompaniment to a hearty stew, it is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious it can be?
