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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.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Irish

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Flour
  • 4 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Butter softened
  • 1 Egg
  • Topping
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup Buttermilk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
  • Using a stand mixer, add all dry bread ingredients to the bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Add the wet bread ingredients to the bowl and use the paddle attachment to combine all ingredients well.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the topping by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the buttermilk to the butter and mix together well.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Once done, let the bread rest for 20 minutes. Then serve with butter, jam, or your favorite soup.

Notes

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