CulturallyOurs Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

03.11.21
CulturallyOurs Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Here in the US, March marks the beginning of so many wonderful things. Warmer weather in some areas, little tulip buds peaking out of the ground and that wonderful welcome of Spring. But perhaps the most anticipated event for them all is St. Patrick’s Day. With such a large Irish population here in the US, all things Irish come to life just as March rolls around the corner. From dying the Chicago River on March 17th to McDonald’s shamrock shake, green is the color for March. So it is only appropriate that we look at one of the Irish staples – Soda bread.CulturallyOurs St Patrick Day Green Chicago RiverHere is an easy and traditional Irish Soda bread recipe from Mary Krystinak. Mary and her husband John are owners of Mary’s Wholesome Living. Mary’s company focuses on sharing quality food and their passion for all manner of preserving foods.  Be it canning fresh fruit using the hot water bath method, fermenting our garden goods into savory sauerkraut, of cooking up a meal for the family Mary loves cooking.  She was also the chef for our very first CulturallyOurs Gatherings. Using her experience in her local food communities, she curates a seasonal selection of fresh fruits and vegetables to be used in all her tasty creations. CulturallyOurs Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe

When you cannot quite travel to Ireland, the next best thing is to bring Ireland to you through food, music and Irish culture, right? And Mary says that the cross you see in most Irish soda breads has a story to it. Her grandmother told her that it was to bless the bread. It also helps in rising and baking the center of the loaf.CulturallyOurs Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

  • 4   cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • teaspoon baking soda
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • teaspoon salt
  • large eggs
  • ¼ cups buttermilk
  • ¼ Cup light tasting vegetable oil (or substitute butter cut into small pieces and mixed into dry ingredients)
  • teaspoons caraway or more if preferred
  • cup dark raisins
  • tablespoon buttermilk to brush top
  • sprinkle of sugar

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.  Lightly grease a 2-quart glass or stoneware dish with butter.
  2. Soak the raisins in the buttermilk while mixing.
  3. In a large bowl stir the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt to combine.
  4. Add the caraway seeds.
  5. In a separate bowl beat the eggs and oil together.
  6. Add the buttermilk with the raisins.
  7. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture.
  8. Stir until a soft dough is formed.
  9. Spread some flour on the counter and flour your hands.
  10. Gently shape the dough into a ball, slightly flatten, careful not to over handle.
  11. Place in buttered dish.  Brush the top with the tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle with sugar.
  12. Make a deep cross in the top of the bread before placing in oven.
  13. Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown.  Allow to cool before cutting.

Food is one of the best ways to not only connect with each other but to also connect with our heritage, culture and ancestry. There are so many stories that are passed down along with family recipes – that in itself makes them unique and priceless.

How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

{Recipe credit: Mary of Mary’s Wholesome Living}

Pin for later!

Irish Soda Bread Recipe For St Patricks Day By CulturallyOurs

Related Reading

Leave your comments below