Nothing says ‘homemade’ like fresh baked bread. Unfortunately for me, I don’t always have the time to spend hours making bread from scratch, let it rise, you know the whole deal. On those nights when I throw together a quick soup and I wish I could serve up a loaf of fresh bread this Super Quick Soda Bread always comes to my rescue. Soda bread is traditional Irish bread that is leavened with baking soda instead of yeast and is sometimes studded with raisins. It takes a few minutes to throw together and about a half hour to bake. Soda bread is soft, dense, and has a crisp, nutty golden brown crust.

My version uses whole wheat (though you can use white flour if you prefer) and subs dried currants for the raisins. Spread a slice with softened butter and serve alongside a pot of hot soup.

If you have 35 minutes on your hands you have enough time for hot, fresh bread!

Makes 1 round loaf

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, cut into ½” cubes (cold)
• ¼ cup dried currants (raisins also work well)
• 1 egg white
• ¾ cup buttermilk

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture, using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the currants and stir until distributed.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg white. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour the buttermilk and egg white into the well. Stir until just combined. Turn dough out onto the counter and knead just until it comes together (do not over-mix or dough will be tough). Pat into a round loaf and place on prepared baking sheet. Pat down slightly so that the loaf is about 1 1/2-2” high.
4. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf with the shape of an ‘x’.
5. Place baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
6. Let cool, slice, and serve with softened butter.

Enjoy!