Irish Soda Bread with Grains
This wholesome Irish soda bread is packed with hearty grains, giving it a wonderfully rustic texture and nutty flavour. Quick and easy to make, it’s delicious served fresh with a generous spread of butter.
Ingredients
- 300 g wholegrain flour
- 250 g strong bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 250 ml buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk.
- Mix with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are well combined and no dry flour remains. Continue working the dough by hand for 2-3 more minutes.
- Turn the sticky dough out onto a well-floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour over the top and gently work the dough for another minute, shaping it into a ball.
- Gently flatten the dough slightly with the palm of your hand. Using a sharp knife, score a deep X across the top, then lightly dust with flour.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and beautifully crusty. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
No Buttermilk? Make Your Own
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a simple substitute at home. All you need is 250 ml whole milk and the juice of ½ a lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice).
Stir the milk and lemon juice together, then leave the mixture to stand for about 5 minutes. The milk will begin to curdle and thicken slightly—this is exactly what you’re looking for.
Give it a gentle stir, and your homemade buttermilk substitute is ready to use in the recipe.