Irish Soda Bread

Although not Irish, I love Irish Soda Bread.  I have made it several times before, and is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.  I love the tender crumb, crunchy crust, and simple flavor.  The currants provide little bursts of flavor throughout this delicious quick bread.  If you don't have currants, you can use raisins.


Irish Soda Bread


3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup currants or raisins


Preheat the oven to 400F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Lightly grease the parchment paper.


In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cake flour, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.  Cut in 3 tablespoons of the butter until the mixture is crumbly (the butter will blend right in).  Add the buttermilk and currants, and toss together gently until the dough just starts to come together.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until the dough comes together in a rough ball.  The dough will be lumpy, do not knead it until smooth.


Shape the dough into a 6 inch disk about 2 inches thick.  Place on the prepared baking sheet and cut an X into the top of the dough using a sharp knife.  Do not cut too deep, or your loaf will not hold its round shape (see the above picture).  Bake in the preheated oven until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out with moist crumbs, about 40 minutes.  Remove the bread from the oven and brush with the melted butter.  Place on a cooling rack and cool for about an hour before serving.  Makes one loaf.


Enjoy!  -Cardamommy