Healthy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Could it be possible that a healthy Irish soda bread exists?  Try this new recipe and you be the judge.  It has limited ingredients that can be organic and healthy.  Serve on St. Patrick’s Day with some Irish Butter and you will have a tasty treat.

Irish Soda Bread Ingredients

• 4 cups of flour
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup softened butter (I use the Irish Butter)
• 1 egg

Topping:

• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup buttermilk

 

Healthy Irish Soda Bread Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.

2. Using a stand mixer, add all dry bread ingredients to the bowl and whisk to combine.

3. Add the wet bread ingredients to the bowl and use the paddle attachment to combine all ingredients well.

4. Flour a clean surface and scoop the dough out to kneed for about 10 minutes. Dust it with more flour as needed. When it reaches a playdough consistency, it’s done.

5. Form the dough into a loaf and place it on the lined cookie sheet. Using a small knife, cut a large deep cross at the top of the dough to help it cook thoroughly.

6. Bake for 15 minutes.

7. Meanwhile, make the topping by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the buttermilk to the butter and mix together well.

8. When the 15 minutes are done, take the bread out of the oven. Gently, brush some of the topping over the top and place it back in the oven for another 15 minutes. Keep the leftover glaze.

9. After 15 minutes, take the bread out and brush it again with the topping. Place it back in the oven for a final 15 minutes.

10. When that 15-minute is up, use a toothpick and check the middle of your bread. If it comes out clean it is done. If it doesn’t, top it again and put it back in for a final 10 minutes.

11. Once done, let the bread rest for 20 minutes. Then serve with butter, jam, or your favorite soup.

 

Notes for Healthy Irish Soda Bread

It is best to make it and eat it on the same day. However, if you store it in an airtight container you may be able to get two or three more days out of it. You can also freeze it as well.

Making a nice, deep cross in the bread allows the heat to get to the center and cook through.

The reason for its unique texture is the lack of yeast. Instead of using yeast to help the bread rise, it uses baking soda.

Add 1 cup currants or raisins to make extra healthy

Servings: 4-6

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour 5 minutes

Is Soda Bread Good for Health?

Soda bread is a type of bread that is traditionally made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It is a staple food in Ireland and has gained popularity in many other countries due to its simple preparation and unique taste.

In terms of its nutritional value, soda bread is relatively healthy compared to other types of bread. It is typically low in fat and sugar and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and some minerals such as iron. However, it is important to note that the nutritional value of soda bread can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

While soda bread can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet, it is important to consume it in moderation as it is still a source of carbohydrates and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. It is also worth noting that some commercial brands of soda bread may contain added sugar or other ingredients that may detract from its nutritional value.

In summary, soda bread can be a healthy choice when consumed as part of a balanced diet, but it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and the quality of ingredients used.

What is special about Irish Soda Bread?

Irish Soda Bread is a type of bread that is unique in several ways. Here are some of the things that make it special:

1. It uses baking soda as a leavening agent: Unlike traditional bread recipes that use yeast as a leavening agent, Irish Soda Bread uses baking soda. This means that the bread can be made quickly and easily without the need for a long proofing time.
2. It has a distinctive texture: Irish Soda Bread has a dense, crumbly texture that is different from other breads. This is due in part to the use of buttermilk, which reacts with the baking soda to create air bubbles in the dough.
3. It has a unique flavor: The use of buttermilk and baking soda gives Irish Soda Bread a slightly tangy flavor that is different from other breads. Some recipes also include ingredients like raisins, currants, or caraway seeds, which add additional flavor and texture.
4. It is a traditional Irish food: Irish Soda Bread has been a staple of Irish cuisine for centuries. It was originally developed as a way to make bread without yeast, which was expensive and difficult to come by. Today, it is often served as part of a traditional Irish breakfast or with a hearty stew.  You may also see it grow in popularity on St. Patrick’s Day.

Overall, Irish Soda Bread is a unique and delicious type of bread that has a long history and is closely associated with Irish culture.

How Fattening is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish soda bread can vary in terms of its calorie and fat content, depending on the ingredients used in the recipe. Traditional Irish soda bread is made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk, which are all relatively low in calories and fat.

However, some variations of Irish soda bread may include additional ingredients such as sugar, butter, raisins, or other dried fruit, which can increase its calorie and fat content. For example, a slice of traditional Irish soda bread without any added ingredients typically contains around 80-100 calories, whereas a slice of Irish soda bread with added sugar, butter, and raisins can contain around 200-250 calories.

If you are concerned about the calorie and fat content of Irish soda bread, it’s a good idea to check the ingredients and nutritional information on the specific recipe you are using. You can also try making a healthier version of Irish soda bread by using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar and butter, and adding in healthy ingredients such as nuts or seeds.

Is soda bread good for weight loss?

Soda bread can be a healthy addition to a weight loss diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan.

Soda bread is traditionally made from four basic ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Unlike many commercial breads, soda bread typically does not contain added sugar or preservatives. Additionally, because it is made with baking soda rather than yeast, it does not require the time and effort needed to allow yeast to rise, making it a convenient and quick option for homemade bread.

In terms of nutrition, soda bread can be a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. The whole-grain versions of soda bread, made with whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and white flour, can provide additional fiber, which can also help with satiety and digestion.

However, it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind. As with any bread, consuming too much soda bread can contribute to excess calorie intake and hinder weight loss efforts. Additionally, some store-bought versions of soda bread may contain added sugars, fats, or other ingredients that can increase calorie and fat content.

In summary, soda bread can be a healthy addition to a weight loss diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan. Choosing whole-grain versions and keeping portion sizes in check can help make soda bread a satisfying and nutritious addition to your diet.

 

I hope you enjoy this great holiday recipe for healthy Irish soda bread. Many people will be making this special Irish soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day with a tasty scoop of butter.  Check out my other holiday recipe for a healthy charcuterie board for St. Patrick’s Day.