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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Soda Bread for Kate

By request. First off I assume you don't have an Aga, a cook, a cleaner. This is the recipe I use for soda bread - I must point out I hate buttermilk, and I always end up with milk left over. I won't drink it! Also there is a very easy alternative - Odlum's Soda Mix. It's brilliant and is used all over Ireland. For UK stockists go here.
Anyway, when I want my own I do this;
Set your oven to 200c.
450g plain white flour (or a mix of whole/wheat/plain)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
400 ml buttermilk
Sift all dry stuff into a big bowl and mix.
Slowly add the buttermilk to make a soft dough. Don’t be surprised if not all the milk is used! Once you have it in a ball, put it on a floured baking sheet and kind of flatten it. With a sharp knife cut a deep X into the dough. Sprinkle some plain flour over.
It should take 35/40 mins. (Tap the bottom – if it sounds hollow it’s done). Sometimes the bread may be a bit 'damp' in the centre - don't worry, bread making is an art, combined with science! And it's completely edible.
Let it cool on a rack, but remember soda bread is beautiful eaten warm – with dripping with butter and really good jam! And good strong tea of course.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I looooove soda bread.

Buttermilk is also awesome for making pancakes, if you have some left over...

Anonymous said...

ahh neil, what a good idea...pancakes - (or pre-recession, crepes)

Kate said...

Thank you so much my friend! I am currently at my son's house in Swindon for the weekend but when I get home I am going to make this.
I absolutely love it fried in bacon fat with loads of salt and gallons of strong tea - very healthy I know but I have waited a long time for this.
My dad also used to make us some kind of pancakes with oats in - they were gorgeous too - don't suppose you have the recipe???? I'm sure it came from his Irish upbringing as my Mum never made them!!!!

Anonymous said...

Making me hungry!

Cathy McGuire said...

Thanks for the recipe! I love soda bread. Since my Tipperary granny has passed over, my sister has taken on the annual St. Pat's sodabread... but I cheat and make my own whenever I want some! Not being a wheat-eater, I had to create an oat & rice-based bread... it's not too bad, actually.

Anonymous said...

@Kate. bacon fat mmmmmmmmm. pancakes with oats yes I do, were your Dad's thick or thin?
@little miss it's not a cure for insomnia!
@cathy put loads of jam on that bread! drink strong tea too.

Kate said...

They were thick ones - he always called them flapjacks ....beautiful!!!!
P.s left a little something for you on www.iramble.co.uk

Danny McLaughlin said...

That's my Granny! She passed the recipe to my mum who still bakes that traditional Donegal soda (or as we call it scone) bread every day!

Pic was taken in the early 1950s. My old mum is now (2008) 83 yrs old.

See her recipe (with pics of her making it) here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcl/sets/72157600716172939/

Anonymous said...

Your mum is gorgeous!! I really miss mine - would she like to adopt me?

Nice photos Mr M!!