Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for kneading
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sweet unsalted butter or 3 tablespoons margarine , cut into small pieces
1/4 cup golden raisins or 1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried currant
2 teaspoons caraway seeds ( optional )
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 cup milk ( scant )
Irish Soda Bread is a traditional bread in Ireland that has been passed down through generations. It's a simple recipe that uses baking soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent. Making it a quick-bread recipe that you can whip up in no time. The bread is often served at breakfast or tea-time with a generous slather of butter or jam. The caraway seeds and the raisins give the bread a distinct flavor that makes it a crowd favorite. This bread is a perfect addition to any meal you can think of. Serve it warm with a bowl of soup or a salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 375°F or 190°C.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, granulated sugar and salt.
3.Add the unsalted butter or margarine pieces and rub them into the flour mixture with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.
4.Add the raisins, currants, caraway seeds (if using) and lemon juice or cider vinegar to the bowl and stir to combine.
5.Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously until a sticky dough forms.
6.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly for about 1 minute, being careful not to overwork it.
7.Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet.
8.Using a sharp knife, score a large cross on top of the dough.
9.Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10.Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

PROS

Grandma Dolores’ Irish Soda Bread is a simple and quick recipe that’s perfect for a delicious breakfast or a tea-time snack.
This bread is light, fluffy and has a slightly sweet tang from the raisins and currants.
The caraway seeds, when added, give it a traditional Irish flavor.

CONS

Although this bread is low in fat and sugar, it is high in carbohydrates.
It is not suitable for people who are on a low-carb diet.

This bread also contains gluten and dairy, which could be a concern for individuals with gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Grandma Dolores’ Irish Soda Bread has some health benefits as well. It’s a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide energy to the body. The bread also contains fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep the gut healthy. The raisins and currants in the bread are rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

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