Irish Soda Bread with Yeast

By MJH

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 pkg. dry yeast
• 1 c. buttermilk or (3/4 cup plain yogurt + 1/4 water) or (1 cup milk + Tbsp vinegar)
• 2 tbsp. butter

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, caraway seeds and dry yeast.

Combine milk and butter in a medium saucepan. Heat over low heat until very warm, 120 to 130°F.

Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed of mixer. Add 1/4 cup flour. Beat at high speed for another 2 minutes.

Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Cover bowl; let rise in warm draft free place until doubled in bulk, about 50 minutes.

Punch dough down. Turn out onto lightly floured board. Knead briefly (about 20 times) forming a smooth, round ball. Place on a greased baking sheet.

Press dough to flatten into an 8-inch circle. Cover and let rise in a warm place until dough has doubled in size.

Sprinkle lightly with flour and cut a shallow cross in the top of dough.

Bake at 350°F degrees about 30 minutes or until done. Remove from baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.