Description
Spotted Dog is a traditional Irish soda bread featuring a tender crumb studded with juicy raisins or currants. This quick bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent and combines simple pantry ingredients like flour, buttermilk, and caraway seeds for a subtle aromatic touch. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it yields a warm, lightly browned loaf with a distinctive ‘X’ carved on top for even baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 to 4½ cups All Purpose Flour (500g)
- 1¼ tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Caraway Seeds (Optional)
- ¾ cup Raisins or Currants
Wet Ingredients
- 1 Egg (Optional)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- ¾ cup Water (As needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the soda bread.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, sugar, caraway seeds (if using), and salt thoroughly.
- Prepare wet mixture: Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat well. Stir the buttermilk into the beaten egg, mixing until combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the buttermilk and egg mixture. Gently stir using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just enough to combine. Gradually add water as needed until the dough is moist and forms a large lump. Fold in the raisins or currants evenly.
- Shape the dough: On a floured surface, turn the sticky dough out and gently flatten it into a circular disc about 1½ inches thick using your hands.
- Score and bake: Place the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to mark a deep ‘X’ on top of the dough. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the bread for 30 to 40 minutes. The loaf is done when the top is lightly browned and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool on a rack for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adding the egg is optional but helps with dough binding and adds richness.
- Water quantity may need adjustment depending on flour absorption; the dough should be moist but not overly sticky.
- Caraway seeds provide a traditional aromatic flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure the ‘X’ scored on top is deep enough to allow even baking.
- Check doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf; a hollow sound indicates it is fully baked.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
