Nuna'S Soda Bread
Nuna's Soda Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet loaf with raisins and caraway seeds, perfect for breakfast, snack, or tea, offering a comforting, aromatic flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Blend together the sifted flour and shortening until well mixed.
- Add sugar, salt, baking powder, caraway seeds, and raisins. Mix thoroughly.
- Beat the egg with the milk and add to the dry ingredients to make a soft dough.
- Mix well until combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead lightly.
- Divide the dough into 2 or 3 round loaves.
- Place the loaves on a greased and floured pie pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Further reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- Serve 1 to 2 days later for better flavor, stored at room temperature in a tin or wrapped in waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. To enhance the bread's sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Make sure to knead the dough gently to keep the bread light and airy. If you enjoy a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nuna's Soda Bread with a generous pat of butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with soups and stews, making it a perfect side for hearty meals. For a sweet treat, enjoy it with a drizzle of honey or alongside No Guilt Pumpkin Pudding for dessert. Consider slicing and toasting it for an added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to a month. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nuna'S Soda Bread contains roughly 816 calories, with 9g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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 make this soda bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together effectively.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you don't like raisins, feel free to replace them with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Each option will give the bread a unique flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The soda bread is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
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).