Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for added richness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Gradually pour in the buttermilk and melted butter (if using). Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. It will be slightly sticky.

4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times, just to bring it together—avoid overworking the dough.

5. Shape the Loaf: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score an "X" on top of the dough, about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a traditional look.

6. Bake the Bread: Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm with butter or your favorite spread.

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Nutritional Values (Approx. Per Serving, 1 Slice):

Assuming 12 slices per loaf, here are the approximate nutritional values for one slice of Irish Soda Bread:

• Calories: 130–150 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
  • Fiber: 1–2 g
  • Sugars: 2–4 g (depending on sugar added)
• Fat: 3–5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1–2 g (if using butter)
• Cholesterol: 5–15 mg (if using butter)
• Sodium: 200–250 mg (depending on salt added)
• Vitamins & Minerals:
  • Iron: 5–7% of the Daily Value
  • Calcium: 2–4% of the Daily Value (from buttermilk)