Irish Soda Bread
Leave it to the Irish to spin scarcity into deliciousness- this Irish soda bread recipe is the result of just that. A super easy, yeast free bread that gets its name from using an acid (the buttercream) and baking soda to create a delicious, fluffy bread with a perfectly crunchy outer layer. If you decide to add in the raisins or dried cranberries, then you’ve just made what’s been nicknamed “Spotted Dog”. Born during famine times, when yeast-free breads were much less available to the general population, but so tasty that it’s here to stay, this is the perfect recipe to create in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Before placing your dough in the oven be sure to write a cross or X on top to ward off the evil fairies and bring good luck to your home!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons California Olive Ranch 100% CA Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus more to grease pan
- 1 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 large egg, cold
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F
- Grease a 12 inch cast iron skillet with California Olive Ranch 100% CA Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- In a large mixing bowl add all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, baking soda) and whisk well
- Whisk in California Olive Ranch 100% CA Olive Oil
- Stir in raisins
- In a large cup, whisk together buttermilk and egg
- Make a well in the center of your flour mix and pour in buttermilk mixture
- Using a wooden spoon, mix all ingredients just until dough comes together, don’t over-mix
- Transfer dough to a clean, floured surface and with flour on your hands form dough into a round loaf- do not over mix dough or it will become tough
- Transfer dough to greased skillet and use a knife to write a large cross or X on top of dough
- Bake in the center of oven for 50-55 minutes
- Remove bread from oven and let cool slightly before enjoying