Known as wheaten bread in some parts of Ireland, this version of soda bread incorporates whole-wheat flour for a heartier crumb. Buttermilk adds a pleasant tang.
Recipe information
Total Time
2 hr (includes cooling)
Yield
Makes 1 (9-inch) round loaf
Ingredients
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
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Preparation
Step 1
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan.
Step 2
Whisk together flours, wheat germ, salt, sugar, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a large bowl until combined well. Blend in butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in center and add buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms. Gently knead on a floured surface, adding just enough more flour to keep dough from sticking, until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Step 3
Transfer dough to cake pan and flatten to fill pan. With a sharp knife, cut an X (1/2 inch deep) across top of dough (5 inches long). Bake until loaf is lightly browned and sounds hollow when bottom is tapped, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack and cool, right side up, about 1 hour.