Irish Soda Bread

Prep Time: 20 min.
Servings: 10 – 12

Here’s What You Need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup or ½ stick of unsalted butter, softened
½ cup buttermilk: to make buttermilk, use 1/2 cup milk plus ½ tsp. lemon juice or white vinegar
1 large egg at room temperature
¼ cup raisins
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon milk

Here’s How You Do It:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. In a large bowl, whisk or mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Using your fingertips, work butter, then add in raisins and seeds. Stir in ½ cup buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round shape and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with milk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a knife to score an “x” into the top of the loaf, to allow steam to escape. Place bread in oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm and wrap any left-over bread tightly in plastic wrap.