Description
Mary Berry Soda Bread is a traditional Irish bread made without yeast, relying on baking soda and buttermilk to give it its rise. This quick bread has a dense yet soft texture, with a lovely crisp crust, making it perfect for enjoying with soups, stews, or simply with butter and jam.
Ingredients
Scale
To make one loaf of soda bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 250g (2 cups) wholemeal flour: Provides a hearty base with a nutty flavor.
- 250g (2 cups) plain white flour: Balances the texture of the bread for a light, soft crumb.
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- 1 tsp salt: Adds flavor to the bread.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Lightly dust a baking tray with flour or line it with baking parchment.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the wholemeal flour, plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
- Stir to combine evenly.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf on the prepared baking tray.
Step 5: Score the Top
- Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the dough. This helps the bread bake evenly and allows it to expand while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Soda Bread
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with butter, cheese, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.