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A classic Irish bread from Mary Berry. This inspired recipe is a must-try staple bread which combines bicarbonate of soda with yoghurt, milk and buttermilk.

From the book

Introduction

Soda bread is quick and easy to make, as it uses no yeast so does not have to rise. Porridge oats can be added to give the bread more texture. Simply replace 50g (2oz) of the flour with the same quantity of oats. Soda bread is best eaten on the day of making.

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Ingredients

Oil, for greasing
450g (1lb) strong white flour
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 level tsp salt
300ml (½ pint) buttermilk or 150ml (¼ pint) milk and 150ml (¼ pint) natural yoghurt, mixed

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Lightly grease a baking tray.

Measure the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk (or milk and yoghurt mixture) and enough tepid water – about 6 tablespoons – to form a very soft dough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and shape into a neat round about 18cm (7in) in diameter. Place on the prepared baking tray and make a shallow cross in the top with a sharp knife.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then turn the bread upside-down and continue baking for 10–15 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack.

 

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

6 Ratings

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6 Comments

    default user avatar Margaret Welsh

    Fantastic

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    default user avatar BartyB

    Simple – No fuss, no yeast, no sugar. Quick to make. Great!

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    default user avatar Josephine Deegan

    Turned out well on 1st attempt. ..I.ll see how it taste 😋.

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    default user avatar Lindy van Welie

    I like to use the alternative mixture of quality wholewheat with plain flour which prevails in Ireland today rather than using all white flour, as you suggest. Also adding some oat flakes top and bottom before baking the loaf helps gives it the famous crunchy, nutty texture and taste. The quality of the buttermilk or sour milk definitely helps to disguise the taste of the bicarbonate of soda which puts off some people. A light mixing touch when blending the ingredients is required, and never forget to “let the fairies out” by cutting a deep cross into the uncooked loaf before baking it. This prevents any slightly underdone dough in the middle. The recipe looks easy and simple but, like all good things, it takes a bit of practice to achieve success. Irish butter spread on a slice after cooling the cooked bread will make it perfect!

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    default user avatar Roberta in Colchester

    We loved it.

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    default user avatar Daio powell

    Fantastic mary as usual

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From the book: My Kitchen Table: 100 Sweet Treats and Puds

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