Simple Irish Soda Bread

This might be the easiest bread you'll ever make.  Which, in my mind, makes it the most dangerous. 

A bread dough that comes together in less than 5 minutes, bakes for 25, and is ready to be slathered with butter and in my tummy in 30?  Oh yeah, that's dangerous.

The Irish are onto something, my friends.

If you're looking for a delicious meal to serve on St. Patrick's Day, bake up a loaf and serve it alongside this Irish Beer Cheese Soup.  I think St. Patrick would approve.

Simple Irish Soda Bread
{makes 1 loaf}

3 & 2/3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 & 1/2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425.  Line a baking sheet with parchment.

Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.  Make a well in the center, and pour in the buttermilk.  Stir gently.  The dough will be sticky and soft, but not overly wet.  If needed, add in as much as 1/4 cup more buttermilk.

Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times.  Form into and 8" circle and place on the prepared pan.

Use a sharp knife to cut a cross into the top of the dough.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
(This bread is also good totally cooled and served with butter and jam.)

{Adapted from the wonderful: The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook}

What are YOU making for St. Patrick's Day? 

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