Irish Soda Bread with Caraway and Raisins 

Irish Soda Bread with Caraway and Raisins is a delightful twist on the traditional Irish soda bread. This rustic loaf combines the earthy flavor of caraway seeds with the sweetness of raisins, resulting in a moist and tender crumb encased in a golden, slightly crunchy crust. The use of baking soda and buttermilk as leavening agents makes this bread quick and easy to prepare, without the need for yeast or long rising times. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or served alongside a hearty soup, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. 

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
  

• 1 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  
  

• 1¾ cups buttermilk
  
  

• 1 cup raisins
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   
   

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and caraway seeds.
   
   

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together.
   
   

4. Incorporate Raisins: Fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
   
   

5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   
   

6. Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cross on top of the dough to help it expand evenly during baking.
   
   

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   
   

8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 1g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 0g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 0mg
  
  

• Sodium: 200mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugars: 8g
  
  

• Protein: 5g