The Tradition of Soda Bread in Ireland
Irish soda bread is a staple in traditional Irish cuisine. It is a simple bread made with four basic ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It was developed in the 1800s as a way for people to make bread without the need for yeast, which was expensive and difficult to come by.
Catherine Fulvio’s Take on Irish Soda Bread
Catherine Fulvio, a well-known Irish chef, has put her own spin on the classic recipe. Her version includes a mixture of white and wholemeal flour, as well as a handful of raisins for sweetness. The result is a deliciously nutty bread with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
To make Catherine Fulvio’s Irish soda bread, you will need: – 225g plain white flour – 225g wholemeal flour – 1 tsp bread soda (bicarbonate of soda) – 1 tsp salt – 1 tbsp caster sugar – 50g butter, chopped into small pieces – 1 egg, beaten – 300ml buttermilk – 50g raisins
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the white flour, wholemeal flour, bread soda, salt, and caster sugar. 3. Using your fingers, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. 4. Add the raisins and mix well. 5. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. 6. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg and buttermilk mixture. 7. Using a wooden spoon, mix until the dough comes together. 8. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly. 9. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on a floured baking sheet. 10. Cut a deep cross in the top of the loaf. 11. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. 12. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Conclusion
Catherine Fulvio’s Irish soda bread is a delicious twist on a classic recipe. The addition of raisins adds a touch of sweetness, while the blend of white and wholemeal flour gives the bread a nutty flavour. This bread is perfect served warm with a generous spread of butter.