Irish Soda Farls ~ Easy Bread Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks (2024)

Irish Soda Farls ~

Hearty and rusticIrish breadwithsimple plant-based ingredients.

Serve withIrish StewforSt. Patrick’s Dayor as a snack with a hotcup of tea.

A Taste of Ireland

I like thisIrish soda farls recipebecause it exemplifies the simplicity and rustic charm of cozy villages and rolling green hills of the Irish countryside. My husband and I recently traveled to Ireland, where I fell in love with the country and the Irish people, deepening my appreciation for my own Irish lineage.Irish cooking, in general, and this bread in particular, reminds me of the rich culture and often tragic history of this beautiful country.

Farls originate from the heart of Irish culinary tradition, particularly inNorthern Ireland. This humble yet beloved bread has been a staple in Irish households for generations, with its roots tracing back to a time when ingredients were simple and hearty fare was a necessity.

This recipe requires just a handful ofbasic ingredients– flour,baking soda, salt, and our plant-based alternative to traditional buttermilk (oat milk andlemon juice)– yet yields a substantial and satisfying bread.

Traditional Irish Quick Bread

Irishsoda bread farls, also known as soda bread or soda cake, are atype of quick breadknown for itssimple ingredientsand hearty texture. The name “farl” comes from the Scottish word for a portion or division, reflecting the customary practice of shaping thesoft doughinto quarters before cooking them on a flatstovetop griddleor in acastironpan.

This easyhomemade breadis often enjoyed as part of atraditional full Irish breakfastonSunday morningswith alittle butterorhomemade jam. Soda farls also pair well with soups and stews and are an excellent addition to anySt. Patrick’s Daymenu.

Irish Soda Farls vs. Irish Soda Bread

Irishsoda farl recipesandtraditional Irish soda breadshare many similarities, as both are classic staples of Irish cuisine. However, there are some notable differences between the two. While soda farls are typically cooked on a griddle in individual quarters, soda bread is generally baked in a round loaf in an oven. This results in a variation in texture, with soda bread having adrier crustand a softer inside, whereas soda farls tend to be denser throughout. Additionally, soda bread may include variations such as adding raisins orcaraway seedsfor extra flavor, whereas soda farls are usually kept plain, which is what makes them so delightful.

Cast IronCooking

For this recipe, we are following tradition and using acastironpanthat has been preheated on the stovetop. Theheavy skilletprovides even heat distribution and allows for easy flipping of the farls to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. This method also gives the farls their characteristic slightly charred exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

Ingredients for Irish Soda Farls

You will need the following:

• 1 cup oat milk, or other mild-flavored plant milk, such as unsweetened almond
• 1 tablespoonlemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoonbaking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Additional 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for flouring work surface, knife, and skillet

How to Make Irish Soda Farls

STEP ONE: Set an 8-inchcastironskilletover medium heat.

STEP TWO: While the skillet is preheating, combine the milk andlemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes.

STEP THREE: In alarge bowl, whisk together the flour,baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of thedry ingredients, and pour in the milk/lemon mixture.

STEP FOUR: Use your hands to knead lightly or awooden spoonto mix together the wet anddry ingredientsjust until combined. (Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough texture.) The dough should come together quickly and be very sticky but manageable.

STEP FIVE: Transfer thesticky doughto a well-floured flat surface. Shape the dough into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Use afloured knifeto cut the dough into quarters.

STEP SIX: Sprinkle alittle flourinto the preheated skillet. Transfer the farls to thefloured skillet. Cook for 6 minutes on each side. Thecooked farlswill be slightly charred in places, feel firm to the touch, and sound hollow when tapped lightly. Serve hot.

Storage

• Store Irish Soda Farls in anairtight containeratroom temperature.

MoreIrish RecipesYou’ll Love!

• Potato Cakes
• Cabbage and Peas
• Bangers and Mash
• Potatoes O’Brien
• Irish Potato Pie

Follow This Wife Cooks onInstagram|Facebook|Pinterest