CHEF JOHN'S IRISH SODA BREAD

Chef John's Irish Soda Bread image

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a loaf or two of Irish soda bread? If made correctly, this is one of the best quick breads (those leavened without yeast) you'll ever have. Subtly sweet, with a light, tender crumb, and not at all dry. You can use quick-cooking oats in place of rolled oats, if desired.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes Irish Soda Bread Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup rolled oats
1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 cup dried currants
⅓ cup golden raisins

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Whisk all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Beat buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest together in a bowl. Pour buttermilk mixture, currants, and raisins into flour mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, sticky dough comes together.
Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface; press dough together into a soft ball of dough and cut into 2 pieces. Form each half into a smooth, round loaf. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a 1/2-inch deep "X" into the top of each loaf with a serrated knife.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 45 minutes. Transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.8 calories, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 381.7 mg, Sugar 11.7 g