This recipe for Vibrant 1-Hour Turmeric Raisin Irish Soda Bread is a delicious twist on traditional Irish Soda Bread.
Golden raisins add a little sweetness, while Turmeric delivers a pop of unexpected color to this bread. To learn more about this unique interaction between turmeric and the alkaline ingredients in this recipe, read on.
Jump to RecipeThe history of Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a beloved staple of Irish cuisine, with a history dating back to the 1800s. This traditional bread is made with simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
Historically, in rural Ireland where access to bakeries was limited, families baked their own bread at home using baking soda instead of yeast. This simple recipe quickly became a favorite among the Irish people and remains a popular bread today. While the basic recipe includes just the four essential ingredients, there are many variations that incorporate other ingredients like sugar, raisins, caraway seeds, or currants, which are often influenced by the availability of local ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a classic Irish soda bread recipe or want to try a fun variation on a theme, this hearty and delicious bread is sure to satisfy. If you’re looking for something a little different or a way to celebrate the rich history and flavor of this beloved Irish bread, why not give this recipe a try?
What makes Irish Soda Bread uniquely different from other types of bread?
Irish soda bread is uniquely different from other types of bread in several ways. The use of baking soda instead of yeast, which is typically used to make bread rise, gives soda bread its characteristic dense and crumbly texture. This also means that soda bread does not require kneading or proofing – resulting in a quick and easy bread to make.
Additionally, traditional Irish soda bread is made with just four basic ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. This simple recipe reflects the traditional Irish way of baking bread, where families would use whatever ingredients they had on hand. While there are many variations that incorporate additional ingredients like sugar, raisins, or seeds, the basic recipe remains simple and straightforward.
The use of buttermilk in soda bread also contributes to its unique flavor and texture. Buttermilk helps to activate the baking soda and create a tender crumb. It gives Irish soda bread its signature tangy flavor and distinctive aroma. I’ve long been a fan of baking with buttermilk for the flavor and tenderness it delivers to any baked good. You can find buttermilk in a number of my recipes including, Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, Blue Corn Buttermilk Waffles and even my recipe for Super Simple 5-Minute Avocado Buttermilk Dressing. In keeping with tradition, I simply had to use it in this recipe for Irish soda bread with raisins.
Overall, the use of baking soda instead of yeast, the simple ingredient list, the tangy flavor of buttermilk, and the unique shape and texture all contribute to making this distinct and delicious bread.
What does the cross cut on top of a loaf of Irish Soda Bread represent?
The way this bread is traditionally shaped also sets it apart from other breads. Typically shaped into a round loaf with a cross cut into the top, but why?
The cross cut on top of a loaf of soda bread has both practical and symbolic significance. Practically, the cross helps the bread expand and cook more evenly by allowing the center of the loaf to heat up properly. This ensures that the bread cooks evenly and does not collapse in the center.
Symbolically, the cross cut is often interpreted as a nod to Ireland’s Catholic heritage. In Ireland, bread has long been a staple food, and in earlier times, a cross was often cut into the dough as a way of blessing the bread and giving thanks for the food. The cross cut also has religious significance in Christianity, with the four quadrants of the cross representing the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The cross was also believed to ward off evil spirits.
Today, the cross is seen more as a traditional decorative element than a religious symbol; however, it remains a recognizable feature of the bread and adds to its distinctive appearance. Whether it’s seen as a religious symbol or simply as a nod to tradition, the cross cut on top of a loaf remains an important part of this beloved Irish bread.
The Changing Colors of this Vibrant 1-Hour Turmeric Raisin Irish Soda Bread
Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in cooking, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is known for its bright yellow color, which comes from a compound called curcumin. However, under certain conditions, turmeric can turn from yellow to red.
The color change in turmeric is caused by a chemical reaction between the curcumin and other compounds in the spice. When turmeric is exposed to alkaline conditions, or ingredients such as baking soda or baking powder, the curcumin can become unstable and break down, resulting in a change in the spice’s color from yellow to red.
Another factor that can cause turmeric to turn red is heat. When turmeric is heated to high temperatures, the curcumin undergos a chemical transformation that changes its structure and color. This reaction can produce a red pigment called turmerone, which can give turmeric a reddish tint.
In short, the color change in turmeric from yellow to red is a result of chemical reactions between the curcumin and other compounds in the spice, as well as exposure to alkaline conditions or high heat. While the red color may be unusual, it does not necessarily indicate that the turmeric is spoiled or unsafe to eat.
Turmeric may turn from yellow to red when it is exposed to certain ingredients in baking that create alkaline conditions. Some common ingredients that can cause this color change include:
- Baking soda: This ingredient is commonly used in recipes that require a leavening agent. Baking soda is highly alkaline and can cause turmeric to turn red when it comes into contact with it.
- Baking powder: This is another leavening agent that is commonly used in baking. Baking powder contains both an acid and an alkaline ingredient, and the alkaline component can cause turmeric to turn red.
- Yeast: While yeast is not an alkaline ingredient, it can create an alkaline environment in the dough as it ferments. This can cause turmeric to turn red when it is used in bread or other baked goods that contain yeast.
It’s important to note that not all turmeric will turn red when it comes into contact with these ingredients. The color change will depend on the amount of turmeric used in the recipe, as well as the other ingredients and the cooking method. Additionally, the color change does not affect the flavor or nutritional value of the turmeric, and it is still safe to eat.
Such is the case with this variation on a traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe. The pigmentation change is brought on by the interaction between the Turmeric and alkaline conditions created by the baking soda and baking powder, and compounded by the high baking temperature of the oven. This soda bread is baked in a 400 degree F. oven for approximately 30 minutes. The dough enters the oven a light golden yellow color. A transformation takes place as it bakes – turning it from golden to a vibrant berry color with flecks of sunshine from the golden raisins. Such a lovely, happy accident!
To learn more about turmeric, check out this article on Food Chemistry Basics: Everything You Need to Know About Turmeric.
I hope you’ll give this Vibrant 1-Hour Turmeric Raisin Irish Soda Bread a try. The show-stopper, color transformation that takes place during the baking process is nothing short of amazing. Such a lovely, happy accident, or perhaps the luck of the Irish. Either way, this soda bread recipe with raisins is delicious – especially with a cup of tea and a generous portion of butter spread on top.
Vibrant 1-Hour Turmeric Raisin Irish Soda Bread
Course: SidesCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes30
minutesGolden raisins add a little sweetness, while Turmeric delivers a unique pop of unexpected color to this bread.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups sifted A.P. Flour – sift before measuring
2 Tbsp. white granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground, dried turmeric
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. unsalted, European-style butter
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted for brushing on top of the finished loaf
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Set aside 1 Tbsp. of the butter for basting the top of the finished loaf. Cube the remaining 2 Tbsp. of butter into 1/4 inch pieces.
- Before measuring, sift the flour over parchment or a bowl. Gently scoop the sifted flour into a measuring cup until it is just over the top of the rim. Use the back of a knife to sweep the excess flour off the top of the measuring cup, leaving a level surface. Place the measured flour in a mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar, baking soda, baking powder, turmeric and salt to the flour and stir to combine.
- Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Gently rub the butter between your fingers and thumb until it falls back into the mix. Repeat the process until the flour and butter mixture reach the small crumb stage.
- Add the raisins. Stir them into the flour mixture until they are coated and evenly distributed.
- Stir in the buttermilk with a fork or spatula and mix until combined.
- Turn the dough out onto the prepared baking pan, Use your hands to gently pat the dough into a round loaf measuring approximately 6-inches round and 2-inches high. Use a sharp knife to cut a cross shape on top of the loaf – going down approximately half-way through the loaf, but not all the way.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes. The loaf is ready when it has turned golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the finished loaf from the oven and brush the top with the remaining Tbsp. of melted butter. Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and allow to cool down to room temperature before slicing.
- Leftover bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic for up to 3 days.
