Irish Bread("A Gaelic Blessing")
A hearty Irish soda bread studded with raisins and flavored with caraway seeds, perfect for breakfast or teatime. Rustic, slightly sweet, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add beaten egg and buttermilk; blend well.
- Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients.
- Mix by hand only until dry ingredients are well moistened.
- Fold in raisins and caraway seed.
- Pour into a greased and floured 1 1/2-quart pan or a 1 1/2-quart glass casserole.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with a little sugar.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes in a 13 x 4 x 3-inch pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of cinnamon. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. To enhance the texture, try using whole wheat flour in place of some all-purpose flour. Remember to mix gently to avoid overworking the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This Irish bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a side of zesty buttered peas. For a hearty breakfast, serve slices with jam or alongside scrambled eggs. It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread, complementing dishes like the Zurich Apple Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Bread("A Gaelic Blessing") contains roughly 663 calories, with 9g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (18% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1080mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different dried fruits instead of raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like currants, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a different flavor. Just ensure that the total amount remains the same to maintain the bread's texture.
What can I do if my batter is too dry?
If your batter appears too dry, you can add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. The dough should be moist but not overly wet.
Is it necessary to use caraway seeds?
Caraway seeds add a unique flavor, but they are not essential. If you prefer, you can omit them or replace them with an equal amount of fennel seeds for a similar taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).