It is once again the time of year when we break out our favorite green ensemble and go out in search of some corned beef and cabbage. Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate all things Irish, and what could more Irish than traditional Irish Soda Bread? This distinct loaf has been around since the 1800’s and is a stable in every Irish baker’s repertoire. Its name comes from the reaction between the buttermilk and the baking soda, which causes to the bread to leaven. The simplicity of the recipe has allowed for a lot variation in the way’s soda bread is enjoyed, which then begs the question, how do you like your soda bread?
Sweet:
Especially popular for American taste buds, many enjoy a sweeter soda bread. To add additional sweetness to your loaf, you can currants or raisins. This will add a delicious, fruity sweetness to the bread. Some will take the sweetness a step farther and add a drizzled mixture of milk and sugar to the loaf prior to baking. This results in a sweet, crunchy crust to the bread.
Nutty:
Adding nuts and seeds to your soda bread provides for an exciting crunch. A popular seed to add to the dough is caraway seeds. It is recommended to add these sparingly however, so their distinct flavor and crunchiness don’t overwhelm the bread entirely. As for nuts, the most popular choice is walnuts. This milder nut pairs wonderfully with the bread and is typically used in recipes that also include dried cranberries for a nutty sweetness.
Traditional:
Although there are many mix-ins that work great in soda bread, the most traditional Irish way is the plain loaf. For additional authenticity, cook a round loaf, using a sharp knife to cut a deep cross in the center of dough. When it comes out, spread on some Irish salted butter on and enjoy! Also great with corned beef and cabbage for the full Irish Saint Patrick’s Day Experience.
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