Learn How To Make Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread:
1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (195 grams) whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated white sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons old fashioned rolled oats (optional)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) buttermilk (soured milk)

Directions:
Irish Soda Bread: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, oats, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add most of the buttermilk. Using yours hands, or a wooden spoon, mix (adding more buttermilk if necessary) until you have a soft moist dough.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and gently knead the dough into a 7 inch (18 cm) round that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Place the round on your prepared baking sheet and then, with a sharp knife or clean kitchen scissors, cut a 1/4 inch deep "X" across the top of the bread.

Bake for about 40 - 50 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. You can also test that is fully baked by tapping the bottom of the bread - it should sound hollow. Remove from oven. This bread is wonderful when served warm with butter and jam. It also makes great toast.

Makes one seven inch (18 cm) round soda bread.