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We bake this bread every day at the cookery school, and it is very quick and simple to make at home too. This is the basic recipe but there are so many sweet and savoury variations that you can try – chocolate, raisins, cinnamon, cubes of crispy bacon, cheese, herbs . . . the possibilities are endless. The deep cross in the loaf (see step 3) is supposed to let out the fairies – so that the bread won’t be jinxed by evil spirits! In reality, of course, it’s just to allow the heat to penetrate the loaf as it’s cooking. Makes 1 loaf.
VARIATIONS
White soda scones: Make the dough as above but flattened into a round approximately 2.5cm (1in) deep. Cut into scones and cook for 15–20 minutes at 230°C (450°F), Gas mark 8.
White soda bread or scones with herbs: Add 2–3 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs – such as rosemary, sage, thyme, chives, parsley or lemon balm – to the dry ingredients, and make as above.
Spotted dog: Add 100g (31/2oz) sultanas, raisins or currants, or a mixture of all three, to the dry ingredients, and make as above.
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Made this bread many times fantastic - this time I put sme chopped onion grated cheddar cheese some dried garlic and thyme really nice with home made vegetable soup - went down a treat
Made my first ever soda bread today and it turned out great. A little harder than expected crust but I think my oven might have been a little to hot in the first 15 minutes of baking. In any case it was delicious and hearty went down well with some roast pork. Will definitely be trying this with some fillings both sweet and savoury.
Hi Ngizee, my mum always wrapped her bread in a damp tea clotth when whilst it was cooling and this made the crust softer
I watch/and have watched far tooooo many cooking shows..I believe Rachel Allen is the best by far...She is an absolute genius in the kitchen, she explains everything so simply.I love her shows and she always makes me smile with happiness.
Help me pls, I need some/any 'fool proof' main course irish recipes, that I can cook & impress.
I'm looking forward to making Rachels soda bread wjth currants. I have been living in Australia for 7 years, I long for Irish brown bread. I have started to make my own using the Mayo clinic recipe. Now its time to try something new!
this is just sooo easy and very delicious, keep them coming Rachel.. with your recipes I'm beginning to believe I can cook..
I thought Rachel showed us some interesting and modern alternatives using the basic soda bread recipe. The foccacia bread recipe with olives, sundried tomatoes and olive oil is a good example of an old fashioned recipe given a modern makeover. Rachel's step by step approach allows you to easily follow her instructions at home.
Keep exciting us with your awesome recipes
There are many talented chefs on tv, but this lady is up there with the best, besides that I like her food. Now all I have to do is cook it. Love seeing you on foxtel Rachel, please continue.
Regards
Barbara
Perth Australia
My parnter is from Ireland and we now live in Australia. I have just made the bread having seen it on this website and he is in 7th heaven - says its like being transported back to his mum's kitchen in Dublin! For me it was quick and easy to make