- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon each baking soda, baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup raisins or currants
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9-to-10-inch cast iron skillet or a large baking sheet.
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Combine butter, buttermilk and egg in a smaller bowl. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients, pouring into the well. Stir to form a soft dough. Add raisins or currants and mix lightly.
Transfer batter to the skillet, or if using a baking sheet, form into a ball on the baking sheet. Slash dough with an “X” with a sharp knife.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until set and golden brown on top.
IRISH SODA BREAD – Folklore & Tradition
Practicality Meets Belief: While it was believed to ward off evil, the cross cut into the top surface had the functional purpose of allowing the dense dough to cook through, helping the bread to expand while baking.
