Soda bread is a wonderful childhood memory for many people. It is one of the easiest doughs that you can make in just few minutes and bake it right away. The current version of our author Aleks Adriann brings us to her grandmother's kitchen.
What kind of bread is this
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Bulgarian soda bread which Aleks's grandmother used to bake. In Bulgarian cuisine there are two main types of soda bread: with yogurt and vegan. The second one is usually prepared for the night before Christmas when traditionally the families are gathering on the table with only vegan dishes served on it.
What ingredients you need
- For this wonderful soda bread you need simple ingredients, pantry staples.
- Flour: you can use whole grain or all-purpose flour or a combination of both. In the recipe below you will find Aleks's favourite combination.
- Yogurt: for a vegan version of the bread you can substitute it with soda water
- Sweetener: traditionally a bit of sugar is used for this type of bread. Aleks often uses malt extract or molasses for a wonderful taste.
- Butter: for a vegan version substitute it with vegetable oil.
- Baking soda
- Water
- Salt
The complete list of ingredients and their quantities and variations are below the post, in the recipe card!
How to make this soda bread
- First you need to place the flour in a large bowl and mix it with some salt.
- In another bowl mix together yogurt, water, sugar and baking soda. When the mixture starts bubbling, add the melted butter and stir.
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ones. Use a wooden spoon to make a dough. The beauty of this recipe is that you don't need to knead more than 1 minute, just have to ensure that all ingredients are distributed evenly in the dough.
- Dust the dough with flour and roll it out gently in a nice round loaf. Make a cross on top of the loaf. Bake for about 25 minutes.
- A very important step, once the bread is out of the oven, is to cover it with a clean tea towel. That way the crust will soften nicely.
I am sure you would love this Grandma's Soda Bread! It is a great bread to make in no time and with the ingredients you have in your pantry! A real life-saver for the moments you want to serve a homemade lunch or dinner accompanied by a flavourful loaf.
Did you like this recipe? Let me know in the comments what you think about it!
If you like the blog, subscribe to receive new recipes every week!
Follow Taco and Tiramisu on Instagram and Facebook to get fresh updates and authentic recipes from around the world!
📖 Recipe
Grandma's Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups/ 180 g all-purpose flour see notes
- 1/2 cup / 65 g whole grain wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup / 128 g yogurt see notes
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 tbsp / 43 ml water
- 1/2 tbsp sugar see notes
- 1 1/2 tbsp/ 20 g butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F/ 200 degrees C. Adjust the oven rack at a middle position.
- Place the butter in a heatproof bowl and melt it in the oven for few minutes.
- Combine the two kinds of flour in a bowl and add salt. Mix to blend.
- In another bowl combine yogurt, water, sugar and baking soda. When the mixture starts bubbling, add also the melted and cooled butter.
- Pour the mixture into the bowl with the flour and start mixing with a wooden spoon. When the flour is absorbed, knead with your hand for up to 1 minute.
- The dough will be sticky so sprinkle it with some flour. Make a round loaf and place it on a sheet of baking paper. Extend it a bit using a rolling pin or your hands. Using the handle of the wooden spoon or a sharp knife make a cross through the middle of the loaf.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and bake it in a large tin.
- Test for doneness in 25 minutes: it is ready when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, the bottom crust looks golden brown and when knocking on the bread it makes a hollow sound.
- Place the bread on a wire rack and cover it with a clean towel.
Notes
- Flour: You can use just all-purpose flour for this bread.
- Yogurt: For a vegan option you can substitute the yogurt with same quantity of vegan milk (e.g. oat or rice) and 1 tbsp of apple vinegar. Alternatively you can use soda water instead of the yogurt.
- Sugar: Instead of sugar you can use molasses or malt extract.
- Butter: for a vegan option use olive oil or other vegetable oil. This bread is best served immediately.
If you liked this recipe, you may also enjoy the following ones:
About the author
Aleks Adriann
Hey, I’m Aleks! I created Apartment10 as I truly believe there are recipes for happiness. Some passed down through the generations and others created to celebrate life around the table. Food brings us joy, nourishes our bodies and helps us cherish some of the best memories. Join me in the kitchen to cook together quick, easy and seriously delicious food.
Give an opinion