The first time I tried Irish Soda bread was in a Pub in Dingle, Ireland. I’d love to go back just for a slice of bread, but Dingle Town has now been over run with tourists, so I don’t think we will be going back anytime soon. But the Bread? Now there is something I can revisit again and again. No airline ticket needed.
The recipe itself is very straight forward and easy to make. However, if you have never tried Irish Soda Bread before let me warn you. It is very hearty. In my opinion the bread is best served with stew. If there was ever a “man” bread, this would be it. The bread is so substantial, you may want to make an extra loaf to keep on hand just in case you need a lethal weapon. Perfect for lumberjacks, brick layers and leprechauns of course.
Irish Soda Bread {slightly adapted this recipe from Ina Garten}
I say slightly adapted because I don’t think a “man” bread should have things like currants and orange zest in it.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 cup dried currants
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.
With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together in a measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet.
Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound.
Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Recipe Credit
Here is a great movie to go with the Irish Soda {Man} Bread: Waking Ned Devine. Have you seen it? The scenery is breathtaking.
