Walnut Soda Bread

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool slightly.

   Tip: Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavour and prevents them from becoming soggy during baking.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. 3

   Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and honey. Add the beaten egg and begin mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

   Tip: Don't overwork the dough—soda bread develops best with minimal mixing to keep it tender.

4. 4

   Fold in the cooled toasted walnuts gently until they're distributed throughout the dough.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf about 20 cm in diameter. Place it on the prepared baking tray.

   Tip: Keep the shaping gentle to maintain the light, airy texture of soda bread.

6. 6

   Using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top of the loaf, cutting about 1 cm deep across the surface.

   Tip: This traditional score allows steam to escape evenly and helps the bread rise properly.

7. 7

   Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and place in the preheated oven.

8. 8

   Bake for 40-45 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

   Tip: Check doneness by tapping the bottom—a hollow sound indicates the bread is fully cooked inside.