Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

Prep: 15 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Course: Baked Goods | Servings: 6 

Sourdough Irish soda bread with currents and orange zest. This delicious combination of flavors and textures; something between a scone and a sweet bread, will be a part of our St. Patty’s feast for years to come. This delicious recipe adapted from Lynn at Turnips 2 Tangerines https://www.turnips2tangerines.com/sourdough-irish-soda-bread/ 

4 cups flour

⅓ cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

½ cup butter, cut into tablespoons

½ cup currants

Zest of 1 orange

1 cup sourdough starter

1 cup + 2 Tbsp buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 375*. Spray oil a baking sheet or line with a silpat. In a large mixing bowl mix flour, sugar, baking soda and salt with a whisk (this will lighten the dry mixture). Cut butter in with a pastry blender or a large fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the currants, orange zest, sourdough and buttermilk. Mix with a large rubber scraper until combined. The dough will be wet, turn out onto a floured kneading surface. Knead with your hands until you’ve formed a nice round shape. Cut an X into the top of the loaf with a knife. Bake for 45 minutes, a cake tester should come out clean when done baking. Allow to cool. Serve with Irish butter, jam, honey...