Chef John's Irish Soda Bread
Description
This moist soda bread recipe is flavored with buttermilk, honey, and orange zest and is perfect for St. Patrick's Day — or any time of year.
Ingredients
•
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup whole wheat flour
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1/4 cup rolled oats
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
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1 3/4 cups buttermilk
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste
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2 teaspoons grated orange zest
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1 cup dried currants
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1/3 cup golden raisins
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2
Whisk all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Beat buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest together in a medium bowl. Pour buttermilk mixture, currants, and raisins into flour-butter mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, sticky dough comes together.
4
Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface; press dough together into a ball and cut into 2 equal pieces. Form each into a smooth, round loaf.
5
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep "X" into the top of each loaf using a serrated knife.
6
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 45 minutes. Transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
7
Enjoy!