Rye Soda Bread

Every time I make soda bread, I wonder why I don’t make it more often! It is so easy, and I love the distinctive taste. This version is full of hearty rye flavor, and tastes delicious toasted and topped with salted brown butter.

Step: 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step: 2

Mix sunflower seeds, oats, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, and poppy seeds together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step: 3

Combine remaining 2 teaspoons caraway seeds, rye flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Pour in 1 3/4 cups buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until dough starts coming together. Knead briefly in the bowl until no dry spots remain.

Step: 4

Transfer dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a round loaf. Use damp hands if dough is sticking as you shape it. Cut a deep cross into the top using a sharp knife. Brush with 1 tablespoon buttermilk and sprinkle seed-oat mixture all over the top and into the cracks.

Step: 5

Bake in the preheated oven until top and bottom are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

Per Serving: 195 calories; protein 6.2g; carbohydrates 38.5g; fat 1.7g; cholesterol 1.8mg; sodium 519.5mg.

The quality of the flour can make a real deal to your bread. Different makers do vary. Great taste or Canadian flours, which are naturally higher in gluten, may give you a better rise than standard dough flours – especially if you’re making wholemeal dough , which not always getting bigger as well as white bread.

To made this in a dough , add all the ingredients to your breadmaker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

A dough’s first rising can be done in the fridge 24 hours . This slows down the time it takes to rise to double its size, giving it a deeper flavour. It’s also a great limit , as you can work it yesterday , then clear it off the next day.