Irish Sourdough Soda Bread
There are many slightly different variations of making soda bread with sourdough starter. Bottom line is they are mostly the same and if you follow basic directions you can do almost anything you want with it. For instance on occasion you can add currants for a more festive look and taste, or a zest of orange or lemon adds a slight kick you may like. Essentially starter and soda bread is a hearty foolproof staple for generations of bakers..so let's begin!
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 cookie sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups Flour We use all-purpose, but the choice is yours!
- 4-5 tbsps Sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 4 tbsps Butter We are using slightly melted Irish butter!
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Duffy's Dough Starter
- ¾ cup Buttermilk
- 1 handful raisins or currants optional
Instructions
Add Dry Ingredients
- Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl (optional: add raisins)
- Add the slightly melted butter and mix!
Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix together your egg, starter, and buttermilk
Mix It Up!
- Mix your dry ingredients with your wet ingredients until it forms a sticky ball. Is the mixture too dry? Add some more buttermilk. Is it too dry? Add some more flour!
Prepare To Knead!
- Prepare your counter by lightly sprinkling the surface with flour and dump the sticky ball on it.
- Start kneading the bread for only a few "kneads" - just enough to shape it into a nice ball.
- Flatten the ball a bit until it's 1-2 inches thick. Deeply score the top with an X. (A serrated knife works best.) Scoring helps with the baking process but we like the tradition that says it lets the fairies out!
It's Almost Time!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F - 400°F (lower temperature if you are at a higher altitude)
- If you have parchment paper, place it on a cookie sheet and slightly dust with flour. (If not, a dusted cookie sheet works too!)
- Optional: Brush the top with buttermilk for an added flavor and a slightly harden surfaced
- Bake about 40-50 minutes. Use a stick, knife, or toothpick to check if your loaf is ready. If it comes out clean - it's good to go! Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve with yummy Irish butter and enjoy!!
