Imagine a bread so simple yet so extraordinary that it fills your home with an irresistible aroma of fresh rosemary and caramelized onions. This Irish Soda Bread isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that connects you to centuries of traditional Irish baking. With no yeast required and minimal preparation time, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can create a golden, crusty loaf that looks and tastes like it came straight from a cozy Irish cottage kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to create a nice crust on the soda bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well combined to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion to the flour mixture. You can use yellow or white onions for a sweeter flavor, or red onions for a bit of color and a sharper taste. Mix well to distribute the onion pieces evenly.
- Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary finely. Add the chopped rosemary to the flour and onion mixture, stirring to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. The buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang to the bread, enhancing its flavor.
- Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher bread.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for about 1 minute, just until it comes together. Avoid over-kneading; the dough should remain slightly sticky.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf, about
- 5 inches thick. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking and gives it a traditional look.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps to set the texture.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your homemade Irish soda bread with rosemary and onion!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality buttermilk for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overwork the dough—mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Make sure your baking soda is fresh to ensure proper rising.
- Score the top of the bread deeply to allow for even expansion during baking.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to help it set and maintain its structure.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the chopped rosemary briefly before adding to the mix.
- Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain its crusty exterior.
- This bread is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 2mg
