Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Saint Paddy’s Day is quickly approaching, and I cannot think of a better time to tap into my inherent Irish bloodline and pull out a long-standing family favorite recipe – Irish Soda Bread. Although I didn’t realize it until well into adulthood, I pretty much lived on the stuff when I was a tot. It took one bite from a batch made by a friend to make me trip balls down memory lane and get overwhelmed with fond childhood memories of my Great Aunt May – a passionate writer, chef, and dog-lover.

There are many variations of the traditional Irish soda bread recipe, and there is a distinct difference between true Irish soda bread and the Irish-American version. Some variations are considered ‘farls’ – a round bread form cut into quadrants – and others more closely resemble a cake. They can be baked in cast iron skillets, glass bowls or casserole pans. I have even seen recipe variations that call for candied fruits or citrus zest.

I decided to stick true to the ingredients I remember as a child, adding golden raisins, caraway seed and dried currants to my soda bread recipe. However, I opted to go for a farl cooking method, dusted off the trusty man pan and heated it up. Irish Soda bread pairs well with a traditional corned beef dinner and is the perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day meal.

ITEMS WE USED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE