Comments on: Whole-Wheat Irish Soda Bread

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 21:37:08 +0000

Almost forgot–if I want to use mine for sandwiches I bake it in a glass loaf dish so I get nice slices.
BTW, I read an article by a well-known Irish chef (blank on name right now) who stated that gluten sensitivity/celiac disease originated in said British Isles. Might explain the popularity of oats (other than the crop-growing climate.

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 21:26:08 +0000

When traveling in Ireland in 2004 we discovered authentic whole-wheat soda bread–only ingredients per the label were whole wheat flour, buttermilk, baking soda, eggs, and maybe salt. I think that the wheat they use is the “soft” variety so that you get a less coarse and heavy product compared to American-style hard wheat. I found a comperable recipe online that I used until I realized that I am allergic to wheat!!
So, since the people in the British Isles also use a lot of oat, the next time I make this I will use oat flour or fine oat bran, vegan milk plus vinegar for the buttermilk, and flaxseed meal for the eggs–should still be an authentic Celtic product!

By: trish

trish — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:45:53 +0000

I was wondering if could use a gluten-free flour mix for this? I know one usually needs to change the amount of liquid somewhat as it doesn’t absorb like wheat. If this works it seems too easy! I’ve been looking for a bread recipe for that is yeast and gluten-free for a very long time.
thanks

By: SusanV (admin)

SusanV (admin) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:36:01 +0000

No, it’s a quick bread (not yeasted bread) and doesn’t need kneading. You use your hands to shape it up but not to knead (which would make it tough).

By: mimi hughes

mimi hughes — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:18:19 +0000

Does this bread require kneading? I was going to make it yesterday but was surprised there was no notation for kneading, only says ‘clean the dough of hands’.