Are you craving a warm, crusty loaf of bread but short on time? Then look no further! This Mary Berry Soda Bread recipe is the perfect solution. Famous for its simplicity and incredible flavour, this quick bread requires no kneading and minimal effort, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights. Get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade goodness with this easy recipe, perfect for a quick dinner, or simply enjoyed with butter and a cup of tea. It's a delicious dish that's both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 450g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 300ml buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice added)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). Lightly flour a baking sheet. This simple step ensures your bread doesn't stick.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent for a lighter loaf.
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Add the Buttermilk: Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the buttermilk. Mix gently with a round-bladed knife until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will result in a tough loaf.
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Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it into a round, about 20cm in diameter and 4cm thick. A slightly rough surface is perfectly fine and adds to the rustic charm.
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Bake the Bread: Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and cut a deep cross on the top with a sharp knife. This allows the bread to expand evenly during baking.
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Baking Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cooling: Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the crust to crisp up and the inside to cool evenly.
Tips for the Best Soda Bread:
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Buttermilk is Key: Buttermilk provides the acidity that reacts with the bicarbonate of soda, creating the rise in the bread. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 300ml of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
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Baking Time Varies: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread and adjust the baking time as needed. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean when the bread is done.
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Storage: Store leftover soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations:
- Herb Soda Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or chives, to the dry ingredients.
- Cheese & Onion Soda Bread: Incorporate 100g of grated cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion into the dough.
- Sweet Soda Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup of raisins or currants to the dry ingredients for a sweeter version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 2-4g
This easy and delicious Mary Berry Soda Bread is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy!