Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a rustic Irish bakery with just one incredible recipe? This Kale Herb Soda Bread isn't just another bread – it's a nutritional powerhouse that combines the earthy goodness of kale, the aromatic charm of fresh herbs, and the traditional Irish baking technique that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to deliver a bread that's not only incredibly tasty but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will make you feel good from the first bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bread from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed and there are no lumps.
- Add 1 cup of chopped kale and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to the flour mixture. Stir gently to evenly distribute the kale and herbs throughout the flour.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 3/4 cup of buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes, just until it comes together. Shape it into a round loaf, approximately 1-2 inches thick.
- Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread to bake evenly and gives it a traditional look.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the steam to escape and helps the bread to set properly.
- Serve your Kale Herb Soda Bread warm or at room temperature, preferably with butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful loaf as part of a meal or as a snack!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for that perfect golden crust.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough and dense.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped herbs for the most vibrant flavor. If possible, choose herbs from your own garden or a local market.
- Buttermilk Substitution: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Scoring Technique: When making the cross on top, use a sharp knife and cut deep – about 1/2 inch into the dough – to help the bread expand evenly.
- Cooling is Crucial: Always let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the internal structure to set properly.
- Storage Tip: This bread is best consumed within 2-3 days and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
