Traditional Irish Wheaten Bread
Soda breads are made using wholemeal, white flour, or both. In Northern Ireland, the wholemeal variety is usually known as wheaten bread and is normally sweetened, while the term ‘soda bread’ is restricted to the white savoury form.
I first came across wheaten Bread recently in Sydney, made by a lovely Irish couple. They sell Irish food and home baked goods from their caravan in Sydney called Cupán Caife.
I must say the sweeter taste of wheaten bread was so delicious , especially with jam and butter or with cheese and butter.
Love to know what you think!
What you need
- 5oz wholemeal flour 8oz plain flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon wheat germ (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oat or wheat bran (optional)
- ½ – ¾ pint buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Method
1. Preheat oven to 220 degree Celsius (200 Celsius Fan)
2. Lightly flour a baking tray.
3. Sift the plain flour, cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl, then add the wholemeal flour, sugar, wheat germ, bran and a pinch of salt.
4. Make a well in the centre and then stir in the olive oil and most of the buttermilk – then using your hand mix until you have a soft dough that comes together, adding more buttermilk if necessary. The mixture should be soft and sticky.
5. Turn out onto a well-floured surface and shape very lightly until you have a smooth round.
6. Place on the baking tray and cut a cross on top with a sharp knife.
7. Place in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes ( you can turn the oven down to 200C after the first 10 minutes) until golden and sounding hollow when tapped on the base.
8. You can cook it upside down for the last five minutes.
9. Wrap the wheaten bread in a clean tea towel (this is to prevent a hard crust) and allow to cool.
10. The bread will keep for a day or two but is best enjoyed on the day.
Made this recipe? 
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Le grá,
Sarah Whelan
Founder of Irish Women Abroad.
Follow Sarah on Instagram: @socialsbysarah_
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