Dillisk Soda Bread

Dillisk Soda Bread Recipe - Traditional Irish Seaweed Bread

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40-45 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Dillisk soda bread is a traditional Irish bread that is easy to make and delicious to eat. This bread is made with a combination of wholemeal and white flour, rolled oats, chopped dillisk, bicarbonate of soda, and buttermilk. The addition of dillisk gives this bread a unique flavor and a slightly salty taste.

History

Soda bread has been a staple in Irish cuisine for centuries. It was originally made with just flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Over time, variations of soda bread have been created, including this dillisk soda bread recipe. Dillisk, also known as dulse, is a type of seaweed that is commonly used in Irish cooking. Adding dillisk to soda bread gives it a distinctive flavor and a nutritional boost.

Ingredients

450 g plain wholemeal flour
125 g plain white flour
50 g rolled oats
14 g chopped dillisk
5 ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda
450 ml buttermilk

How to prepare

Mix all the dry ingredients.
Add enough buttermilk to make the dough soft.
Knead lightly and shape it into a round loaf.
Bake at 230°C (gas mark 8) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 205°C (gas mark 6) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool the bread on a wire rack and enjoy it while it's still warm.

Variations

Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Mix in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist.
Replace the dillisk with other dried herbs or spices for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the buttermilk to ensure that the bread rises properly.

- Do not over-knead the dough, as this can make the bread tough.

- Use a sharp knife to score the top of the bread before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent the bread from cracking.

- For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Dillisk soda bread is best served warm with a generous spread of butter. It pairs well with soups, stews, and salads.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the bread to ensure even cooking.

- Use a baking stone or cast iron skillet for a crispy crust.

- Check the bread for doneness by tapping the bottom - it should sound hollow when ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can use a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

- Wholemeal flour can be replaced with all-purpose flour if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Dillisk soda bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or toaster.

Presentation Ideas

Serve dillisk soda bread sliced and arranged on a wooden board for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Dillisk soda bread pairs well with creamy soups, hearty stews, and fresh salads. It also goes well with cheese and charcuterie platters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dillisk soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of dillisk soda bread contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of dillisk soda bread contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of dillisk soda bread contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of dillisk soda bread contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Dillisk soda bread is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Dillisk soda bread is a nutritious and delicious bread that is high in carbohydrates and protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Dillisk soda bread is a flavorful and nutritious bread that is easy to make at home. With a combination of wholemeal and white flour, rolled oats, chopped dillisk, and buttermilk, this bread is a delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy it warm with butter or use it as a base for sandwiches and toast.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Dillisk Soda Bread. It was a sunny day in my small coastal village, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and landed on the kitchen table. Intrigued, I picked it up and read the handwritten words scrawled across the page: "Dillisk Soda Bread".

I had never heard of Dillisk before, but the name alone sparked my interest. I knew that it was a type of seaweed that grew abundantly along the rocky shores of our village, but I had never thought of using it in bread. The recipe called for dried Dillisk to be soaked in water and then mixed with flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. It seemed simple enough, but I could tell that this bread held a special significance.

I decided to try my hand at making the Dillisk Soda Bread that very day. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen, the scent of the sea wafting in through the open window. As I mixed the dough and shaped it into a round loaf, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and recipes.

The bread baked to a golden perfection in the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. I eagerly sliced into it, revealing a tender crumb speckled with bits of Dillisk. I took a bite, savoring the unique flavor that only seaweed could impart. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a blend of salty, umami richness that paired perfectly with the tangy buttermilk.

I shared the Dillisk Soda Bread with my family and friends, who were equally impressed by its deliciousness. They marveled at the idea of using seaweed in bread, and I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had uncovered a hidden gem of a recipe. From that day on, Dillisk Soda Bread became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the culinary traditions that had been passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. I discovered that a touch of honey added a sweet counterpoint to the salty Dillisk, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds lent a nutty crunch. Each time I baked a loaf of Dillisk Soda Bread, I felt a sense of connection to the past, a link to the women who had come before me and shared their knowledge and love through food.

As I grew older, I began to realize the true value of these recipes that had been passed down to me. They were more than just instructions for creating delicious meals; they were a tangible link to my heritage, a way of preserving the memories and traditions of my ancestors. And so, whenever I bake a loaf of Dillisk Soda Bread, I do so with a sense of gratitude and reverence for the women who came before me, whose hands had shaped the recipes that now graced my table.

In this way, the recipe for Dillisk Soda Bread has become a part of me, a touchstone that connects me to my past and guides me into the future. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring us together, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls. And as I pass this recipe down to the next generation, I do so with the hope that they too will feel the same sense of wonder and curiosity that I did when I first discovered it, and that they will continue to carry on the traditions that have been lovingly handed down through the ages.