Irish Soda Bread is a simple bread to make for those just learning the art of baking. It is a none yeast bread, and mimics the same techniques as making biscuits. It is one of my favourite breads to make.
This bread goes perfectly with a warm Beef Stew or hearty Chicken Noodle Soup.
Using a small piece of wax paper or parchment, grease a 9″ cast iron pan or a deep cake pan with some vegetable shortening. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, sugar and salt.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and using your hands, mix together to form a sticky dough. Turn out into your prepared pan and press the dough gently to fit into the pan. You can wet your hands a bit to prevent the sticking. Once the bread is evenly pressed into the pan, use a knife to cut an x on the top of the bread. This will prevent the bread from cracking as it bakes.
Place on the middle rack in the oven to bake for 55 minutes. (check at 50 minutes to ensure it does not get too brown.)
Once bread is golden brown, remove from oven. Take a wire rack place it over your pan. Turn the pan upside down to release the bread. Then place a second rack over the bread and turn to allow the bread to cool right-side up.
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