Irish American Soda Bread

Photo: flickr user infomatique

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup raisins

2 teaspoons caraway seeds

1 egg

1 teaspoon orange zest

2/3 cup buttermilk

4 tablespoons warm, melted unsalted butter (½ stick, see no

Preparation

Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Grease a large baking sheet.

In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds.

In another bowl, whisk together egg, orange zest, buttermilk and melted butter. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. The batter will be stiff but sticky.

Scrape the batter onto the baking sheet in a mound 6 to 7 inches in diameter.

Use a sharp, floured knife to slash a large X about 1/2 inch deep on top of the batter. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 40 minutes. Transfer the bread to a rack to cool completely before serving.

Note: Use real butter or stick margarine. Do not substitute reduced-fat spreads; their higher water content often yields less-satisfactory results.

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About

The American idea of Irish soda bread looks like a giant golden brown scone studded with raisins and caraway seeds. It is richer, sweeter and more cake-like than authentic Irish soda bread.