How long does it take to make Soda Bread?
Shape a round loaf about 5 cm thick (or transfer to a loaf pan), score a cross on top with a sharp knife and bake for about 30–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.
58 minTotal
14 minActive time
44 minSetting
Step by Step
| # | What to do | How long |
|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) | 12 min |
| 2 | Mix the milk with the vinegar and let stand 5 minutes | 5 min |
| 3 | Sift the flour and baking soda into a large bowl and stir in the salt | 1 min |
| 4 | Make a well in the center, pour in the milk mixture and mix quickly, just | 1 min |
| 5 | With floured hands, shape the dough into a ball and place it on a floured baking sheet | 1 min |
| 6 | Score a deep cross on top of the loaf with a sharp knife | — |
| 7 | Bake 35–40 minutes | 38 min |
How to Tell It's Done
- until the milk sours and thickens slightly
- until a soft, even dough forms, without kneading
- until the bread is browned and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom
Tips
- Put things in the oven only once it's reached temperature, after the heating light has gone off: an oven that hasn't reached temperature changes baking times, and the bake burns outside or stays underbaked.
- The baking soda starts releasing gas as soon as it meets the sour liquid: mix quickly and put it in the oven right away, without kneading, because kneading makes the bread tough.
- The deep score lets the heat into the center of the thick loaf: the bread bakes evenly and opens nicely into four.
Common Mistakes
- Check by the cue (until…), not just the clock: every oven bakes a little differently.
More Ways
- Soda bread rises from baking soda and a sour liquid, with no yeast: about 2 teaspoons baking soda and a teaspoon of salt per half kilo of flour, with 1½–2 cups buttermilk.
- Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together, without kneading any further.
The full recipe: Soda Bread →
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