Originally posted March 10, 2014

Irish soda bread (a lighter, easier version)

Irish soda bread is like one big biscuit. This version doesn't bother with whole wheat flour, making it lighter. My kids like the whole wheat version, but they LOVE this one.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

1 loaf

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425º.

In a large bowl, shift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly stir in the buttermilk. At some point, you will need to start using your hands to develop it into a nice round loaf shape. If it's too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.

Once you do that, you're done. (Note: This is not a yeast loaf so don't knead it. That will only overwork it.)

Drop it into a dutch oven. Slash the top about 1/2" deep, and then repeat so that you have an "x" on top. Apparently this releases the fairies.

Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes.

Cool before serving.

1 hour