Irish Dark Soda Bread

For a different soda bread flavor, use whole-wheat flour.

Arán Sóide Dorcha (Irish)

Makes 2 loaves
Preheat the oven to 400F (205C)

3 cups (720 ml) all-purpose flour (see how to measure*)

2 cups (480 ml) whole-wheat flour (see how to measure)

2 tsp. (10 ml) baking soda (also called: bread soda, cooking soda, bicarbonate of soda)

1 Tbs. (15 ml) organic brown sugar

2 1/4 cups (540 ml) organic buttermilk*

1. Add all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix very well. Be sure to break up any lumps of brown sugar.

2. Pour all of the buttermilk into the bowl at once and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough is formed.

3. Pour the mixture onto a plastic counter and kneed for a minute or until everything comes together.

4. Divide the dough into two portions.

5. Shape each into a round loaf, pressing the top down a bit to just barely flatten it.

6. Place the loaves on an ungreased baking sheet.

7. Sprinkle some additional flour on top of each loaf. 

8. Allow the loaves to rest for 10 minutes
9. Bake for 45 minutes or until they are golden brown and to taste.

9. Cool on racks.
10. Serve with "Irish Stew": http://veggiefernandezs.blogspot.com/2016/03/irish-stew.html

11. Try "Irish Soda Bread": http://veggiefernandezs.blogspot.com/2016/04/irish-soda-bread.html

*How to measure flour

Scoop a metal measuring cup to overflowing the flour. Then tap on the edges of the cup with a table knife. Level off the flour with the back of the knife. Do not pack the flour.

*substitute for buttermilk:

1. Add 1 Tbs. (15 ml) organic lemon juice or white vinegar in a cup (240 ml container)

2. Add enough organic milk to fill the cup.

3. Whisk a bit of milk or water into a plain, organic yogurt until it forms a buttermilk-like consistency