Irish Soda Bread – Patti’s
The History of Irish Soda Bread appears to have originated in the mid-19th century, when bicarbonate of soda was first used as a leavening agent. At that time, yeast sales were banned to prevent illegal production of whiskey. Alternative rising agents to make bread had to be found. This resulted in one of the most distinct of Irish products – Irish soda bread.
“The bread has been a particular specialty of Ireland since the late 19th century. In Ireland the use of bicarbonate of soda or bread soda in bread-making was commonplace by the 1840s and certainly by the second half of the 19th century soda bread had become an established feature of the Irish diet. Its popularity can in part be attributed to the fact that rural Ireland did not have a strong tradition of yeast bread manufacture. Until the late 19th century bread-making was considered an entirely domestic procedure and executed with a limited range of utensils; the pot oven or bistable and the flat iron griddle. These utensils were ideally suited to soda bread preparation and the soda itself provided a convenient, storable, and predictable leaven regardless of the strength or weakness of the flour.”
– The Oxford Companion to Food, Alan Davidson [Oxford University Press:Oxford]
Ingredients for Pattti’s Irish Soda Bread:
2 C. white spelt flour, plus more for dusting
1 ½ Tbsp of Just Like Sugar® for baking®
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp aluminum free baking powder
⅓ tsp Himalayan salt
1 C. raisins/sultanas
2 C. almond milk with added lemon juice
Preparation:
This recipe includes raisins making it slightly sweet. Mix together all dry ingredients and stir in almond milk with lemon juice about a cup at a time. Check that the flour mixture is entirely moist. Form together in a loaf (no more than 3 inches high) on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375ºF for 40 minutes.
CAUTION:
Patti’s original recipe calls for buttermilk and sugar two items that react poorly with PKD/PLD. If you use these items, see your reaction within your own body. If you awaken with a stuffy nose, scratchy throat or cough probably buttermilk or dairy is the culprit. Try substituting the juice of one lemon added to either coconut or almond milk. If a headache finds its way to you, then sugar is likely the culprit. Drink lemon juice first thing in the morning to diminish a headache.
