One of Ireland’s most famous culinary exports, Soda Bread is as traditional as it gets when it comes to Irish cuisine. A product of time when fancy ingredients weren’t available, Soda Bread dates all the way back to the 19th century and the earliest recipe has been traced back to 1836. This quick bread was a favorite among the poorer Irish population as it only needed a few basic ingredients. It was also seen to be good luck as before baking, a cross was cut on the top to ward off evil and protect the household.
Soda Bread has remained a firm favorite in kitchens across the country to this day. If you’re looking for a wholesome and hearty bread, then you simply cannot beat Soda Bread served straight from the oven with lots of butter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ounces butter
- 1 egg
- 1½ pint milk
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F.
Lightly dust a flat baking tray with flour. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Add sugar and mix well. Combine butter into dry mix until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add beaten egg and milk to make a soft dough. Make sure it is not too wet or sticky.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, just enough to bring the dough together. Transfer dough to the floured baking tray. Shape dough into a round. Cut a cross on top.
Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. You will know it is baked when the base produces a hollow sound upon tapping.