What is the history of Irish Soda Bread?

Answer

Irish soda bread is a classic quick bread from Ireland. It surprises some people to learn that this traditional recipe hasn't been around for thousands of years. Bicarbonate of soda was first was introduced to Ireland around the 1840s.

As befitting a traditional product of a poor country, it was made with only the most basic of ingredients: flour, baking soda (used as a leavening agent instead of yeast), soured milk to moisten and activate the soda, and salt. Before baking, a cross was cut on the top with a knife, supposedly to ward off the devil.

The dough was cooked on a griddle or baked in an oven, and resulted in a loaf that was tender and dense, with a slight sour tang and a hard crust. Being quite perishable, it was made every 2-3 days and eaten with the main meal, not as dessert.

cheese gromit. pass me the crackers gromit

 

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