Irish Soda Bread with Currants

By á-6028

This recipe for Irish Soda Bread with Currants makes two round, rustic loaves of bread flavored with orange zest. A delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants
• 8 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
• 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup dried currants

Details

Servings 1
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 60mins
Adapted from foodnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.

With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together in a measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Make 2 round loaves as it will rise a lot. Place the loaves on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an 'X' into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound.

Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.