In the heart of County Cork, Ireland, lies a culinary treasure: Irish soda bread. This traditional bread holds a special place in Irish culture, passed down through generations and enjoyed in every corner of the country. With its distinct flavor and dense, crumbly texture, Irish soda bread is a symphony of simplicity that embodies the spirit of Irish cuisine.
Our article takes you on a journey to discover the authentic taste of Irish soda bread, featuring two classic recipes from County Cork. The first recipe, a traditional Irish soda bread, captures the essence of this iconic bread with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. We guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring that you achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
The second recipe introduces a delightful variation: Irish soda bread with raisins. This twist on the classic adds a touch of sweetness and chewy texture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. We provide detailed instructions to help you incorporate raisins into the bread, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing loaf.
Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, our recipes cater to all skill levels. We explain each step clearly and concisely, providing helpful tips and tricks along the way. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the rolling hills of County Cork.
IRISH SODA BREAD FROM COUNTY CORK
This is my mother's recipe. She makes it several times a week for some function or another. My sister loves this so much she has to control herself or she would eat a whole one with a stick of butter! I usually only make this easy soda bread for events that my mother can't come to! Slice into wedges, butter, and enjoy!
Provided by Katherine Fallon Tobiasen
Categories 100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Breakfast Bread Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cut together the self-rising flour, sugar, and butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg with 1 cup of milk. Lightly mix the milk mixture into the flour mixture until it holds together. Place dough in prepared baking dish, and brush top with 1 tablespoon of milk for a nice golden brown crust.
- Place the bread into the preheated oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and bake for 1 hour. Let cool before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 55.9 g, Cholesterol 27.4 mg, Fat 5.1 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 441.5 mg, Sugar 27.9 g
CORK COUNTY IRISH BREAD
This is the best Irish Soda Bread recipe ever! It comes out crunchy on the outside and soft, sweet and moist inside. I got this from an old Irish cookbook in high school to make for an Irish feast we had in history class.
Provided by Midwest Maven
Categories Breads
Time 1h10m
Yield 1 loaf, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; mix well and add raisins.
- Beat eggs in a smaller bowl.
- Add buttermilk to eggs and beat until combined.
- Add egg mixture to butter and dry ingredients.
- Stir until moistened.
- Pour into greased layer cake pan or pie pan. (Dough will be very thick and dense).
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
- *Delicious served hot with butter!*.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.3, Fat 5, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 55.7, Sodium 579.8, Carbohydrate 68.9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 29.4, Protein 8.3
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Flour: For authentic Irish soda bread, use plain or all-purpose flour. Avoid using bread flour or self-rising flour, as they will alter the texture and flavor of the bread.
- Measuring the Flour: Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure the flour. Weighing the flour ensures consistent results and prevents the bread from becoming too dense or dry.
- Working the Dough: Handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it. Overworking the dough can result in a tough, dense loaf of bread. Mix the dough until it just comes together and forms a shaggy mass.
- Shaping the Dough: Before shaping the dough, flour your hands and work surface lightly. This will prevent the dough from sticking and tearing.
- Scoring the Dough: Scoring the top of the dough before baking allows steam to escape and helps the bread rise evenly. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross or X-shaped incision on the top of the dough.
- Baking the Bread: Preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking the bread. The bread should be baked in a preheated Dutch oven or cast iron skillet to create a crispy crust and a moist, fluffy interior.
Conclusion:
Irish soda bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own, toasted, or served with your favorite toppings. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe from County Cork is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, give this traditional Irish bread a try and experience the taste of authentic Irish cuisine.
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