Irish American Soda Bread
Irish American Soda Bread Recipe | Authentic & Delicious
Introduction
Irish American Soda Bread is a traditional quick bread that is easy to make and perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe combines the classic flavors of soda bread with a healthier twist by using egg substitute, sugar substitute, and margarine.
History
Soda bread has been a staple in Irish cuisine for centuries, dating back to the 1800s when baking soda became a popular leavening agent. Irish immigrants brought this recipe to America, where it became a beloved comfort food for many families.
Ingredients
- 3 cups unbleached flour (all-purpose)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup splenda sugar substitute
- 1 cup golden raisins or black raisins
- 0.25 cup egg Beaters egg substitute
- 1.75 cups buttermilk or soured milk
- 4 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
How to prepare
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, Splenda, and raisins.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg beater, buttermilk, and melted butter.
- Quickly stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x5" loaf pan.
- Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 45 minutes to an hour.
Variations
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or currants.
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients quickly to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough bread.
- Use a light hand when stirring the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Irish American Soda Bread warm with a spread of butter or jam for a delicious treat.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses the quick bread method, which involves mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them quickly to prevent overmixing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular sugar instead of sugar substitute if desired.
- Use regular eggs instead of egg substitute.
- Use butter instead of margarine.
Make Ahead Tips
Irish American Soda Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Irish American Soda Bread sliced on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Enjoy Irish American Soda Bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Irish American Soda Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Irish American Soda Bread contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Irish American Soda Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Irish American Soda Bread contains approximately 6 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Irish American Soda Bread contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Irish American Soda Bread is a good source of iron and calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains wheat and milk allergens.
Summary
Irish American Soda Bread is a delicious and nutritious bread that is perfect for a snack or breakfast. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthier option compared to traditional soda bread recipes.
Summary
Irish American Soda Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple substitutions, this classic recipe can be enjoyed by those looking for a healthier alternative.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Ireland. My mother, may she rest in peace, was a wonderful cook and passed down her love of cooking to me. She always said that the best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, and that is certainly true of the Irish American Soda Bread recipe.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a crisp autumn morning, the leaves were turning a fiery red and orange, and there was a chill in the air that hinted at the coming winter. My mother had sent me to the market to pick up some flour and buttermilk for our dinner that evening. As I wandered through the bustling market, the smells of fresh bread and pastries wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble.
I made my way to the flour stall, where a kindly old woman with a twinkle in her eye greeted me. She handed me the bag of flour and as I reached for my coin purse, she stopped me. "Ah, lass, I have something for you," she said, rummaging through a stack of papers on her counter. She pulled out a tattered piece of parchment and handed it to me with a smile. "This here is a special recipe for Irish American Soda Bread. It has been passed down through my family for generations, and I think you will enjoy it."
I thanked the old woman and tucked the recipe into my apron pocket, eager to show my mother what I had found. When I arrived home, I proudly presented the recipe to her, and she smiled as she read it over. "This is a treasure, my dear," she said, her eyes shining with excitement. "We must make this bread right away."
And so, we set to work in the kitchen, mixing the flour, buttermilk, and baking soda together and shaping the dough into a round loaf. As the bread baked in the oven, the scent of it filled our tiny cottage, making our mouths water in anticipation. When it was finally done, we sliced into it, the crust crackling under our knives, and tasted the warm, tender crumb inside. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – slightly sweet, with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk, and so satisfyingly hearty.
From that day on, Irish American Soda Bread became a staple in our household. My mother and I would bake it together every week, sharing slices with our neighbors and friends. It became a symbol of our love for each other and for our Irish heritage, a reminder of the simple joys of home and family.
As the years passed and I grew older, I moved to America and brought the recipe with me. I continued to bake Irish American Soda Bread for my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition just as my mother had done for me. It became a beloved family recipe, something that brought us together around the table and filled our hearts with warmth and comfort.
Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells of baking bread and the laughter of my family, I am filled with gratitude for that fateful day in the market so long ago. The Irish American Soda Bread recipe has been a constant in my life, a reminder of where I come from and the love that has sustained me through good times and bad.
And so, I continue to bake this bread, each loaf a tribute to the generations of cooks who came before me and passed down their knowledge and traditions. As I take a bite of the warm, freshly baked bread, I am transported back to that day in the market, to my mother's smiling face and the promise of something delicious waiting to be shared. And I am grateful for the simple pleasures of a good meal, made with love and a sprinkling of magic.
Categories
| American Appetizers | American Recipes | Bread Appetizer Recipes | Bread Recipes | Buttermilk Recipes | Irish Recipes | Raisin Recipes |