Makes 12 Servings
Prep Time: 5-10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
I decided to try making bread with no yeast during this COVID-19 season because gone are the days of multiple grocery store trips for 1 or 2 items. We go shopping once a week now and if we forget an item, we wait till the next week. So, I needed bread, I had no yeast so I read some articles and tried a few recipe modifications and came up with one that I think is optimal for a savory soda bread.
The key to making bread with no yeast is the reaction between the rising agent and the vinegar. Traditionally, soda bread is made with buttermilk because of the acidic properties of buttermilk. A modern substitute is to use vinegar for this purpose which is great because I usually don't have buttermilk at home.
I think the soda bread tastes better savory, instead of sweet, so I added garlic to enhance the savory flavor. Although I underwent baking soda bread out of necessity, it turns out to be something that I would bake multiple times. It has a taste and texture that is refreshing different from regular bread. It falls somewhere between regular bread and cornbread. A slice of this bread toasted and topped with butter will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
4 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 cup water or milk
2 tablespoons white or cider vinegar
2 tablespoon butter
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Measure all your dry ingredients into a bowl and stir with a whisk to combine.
3. In a small cup, combine the water/milk with the vinegar.
4. Add the liquid from #3 to the flour mixture and combine with a ladle.
5. Transfer the bread mixture to a floured surface and knead for about 2 mins just to combine the ingredients. There is no yeast in this ingredient so kneading doesn't play a big role.
6. Roll out the dough till it is about 1 inch thick.
Transfer to a cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 30 mins.
8. When you take out of the oven, smear a generous amount of butter over it for a nice softer crust.