Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Wed, 5 February 2025

Ingredients

· 450g/1lb Self Raising Flour

· 1 level teaspoon Baking Powder

· Pinch of Salt

· 2 dessertspoons Sugar

· 50g/2oz Butter or Margarine

· 1 Egg, beaten

· 250-300ml/½pt Milk (approx)

· 125g/4oz Shamrock Sultanas or Raisins (optional)

Method

· Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Lightly dust a flat baking tray with flour.

· Sieve the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar and mix well.

· Rub the butter/margarine into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sultanas or raisins, if used, and mix through.

· Finally add the egg and sufficient milk to make a soft dough, not too wet or sticky. Turn onto a lightly floured board and gently knead, just enough to bring the dough together.

· Transfer to the prepared baking tray and shape into a round about 4cm/1½" deep. Cut a cross on top.

· Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown and tapping underneath produces a hollow sound. Serve freshly baked and spread with butter.