Irish Soda Bread with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (125g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (125g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (100g) rolled oats 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and cranberries) 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and cranberries)
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) buttermilk 1 ½ cups (355ml) buttermilk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar.
3. 3.
   Add the dried fruits to the flour mixture and toss to coat them evenly.
4. 4.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
5. 5.
   Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
6. 6.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about a minute, just until it comes together.
7. 7.
   Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Use a sharp knife to score a cross on the top of the loaf.
9. 9.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rolled oats — Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats for a better texture in the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter variation, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
• Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, such as apricots, dates, or figs, to customize the flavor.
• Serve the bread warm with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful treat.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Serving advice

Serve the Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a variety of spreads, such as butter, honey, or fruit preserves. Enjoy it as a standalone snack, or serve it alongside soups, stews, or salads for a wholesome meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the bread with a light sprinkle of flour before baking. This will create an attractive rustic appearance and add a touch of elegance to the loaf.