What is Irish soda bread?
Also known as wheaten bread, soda bread is the traditional bread of Ireland. As the name implies, it’s made using baking soda as a raising agent, instead of yeast. Bread was made in this way in Ireland because the wheat grown there was lower in gluten, and didn’t work so well with yeast. This is no longer the case, of course, and good “normal” bread can be found anywhere. But soda bread has survived because it’s easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Besides soft flour, the other distinctive ingredient of soda bread is buttermilk. The good news is buttermilk is easy to find in Germany, but if you can’t get hold of any, regular milk works well too. We haven’t tried using anything like soya or oat milk, so if you do, please let us know how you get on.
McCambridge’s is a brand well known and loved in Ireland, and they have been producing their original wholewheat soda bread since 1945, maintaining traditional methods and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
McCambridge’s Original Wholewheat Irish Soda Bread is a dense, hearty loaf made primarily from stoneground wholemeal flour, which gives it a robust texture and rich, nutty flavor. Unlike yeast breads, soda bread uses baking soda as its leavening agent, which is where it gets its name. This method not only simplifies the baking process but also imparts a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other breads. It’s made with just a few simple, natural ingredients – wholemeal flour, wheat bran, baking soda, buttermilk, and a pinch of salt. The absence of artificial additives and preservatives ensures a pure, wholesome product. And the great thing about this wholemeal soda bread is that it is extremely rich in dietary fibre compared to most other kinds of bread.
How do I make Irish soda bread?
With McCambridge’s Bread Tin Bakery Irish Brown Soda Bread Kit, it couldn’t be easier. Just add buttermilk or milk to the mixing bag, squeeze into the tin, and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes or so. Don’t worry, complete step-by-step instructions are on the package (unfortunately only in English!), so you can’t go wrong.
What can I do with Irish Soda Bread?
The bread you will make with McCambridge’s Bread Tin Bakery Irish Brown Soda Bread Kit is absolutely delicious on its own, or especially buttered. But of course, there’s much more to it than that. One very popular way to eat wheaten bread is with smoked salmon, but it’s good with any cold meats. It’s also great with cheese, whether you prefer a strong Irish cheddar, or something softer. But here at Dalriata, one of our favourite things to do with it is to dip it in soup. A few slices of wheaten and a steaming hot bowl of chowder – now you’re talking!
