Quick & Healthy Brown Soda Bread

Soda bread is one of the easiest breads you can make. Throw everything in a bowl. Mix just a tiny bit. Throw onto a baking sheet. Let the oven and magic bubbles do their magic.

The Seniors (at the Cooking Club that I lead) were so impressed by how easy this was for them to whip up that I am sure many of them are making it right now!

This recipe is pretty standard in some ways- flour, buttermilk, soda, etc. but I tried to make it a little healthier with the addition of some whole wheat flour, molasses and flaxmeal. You don't have to add these things, but it really gives the bread a nice bite that is so great with stews, soups or a green salad.

My favourite way to eat it? The next day, toasted, with a pat of butter and a mound of homemade marmalade to slather on it!

Quick & Healthy Brown Soda Bread

EASY
You can sub sugar or brown sugar for the molasses. No flaxmeal? Sub wheat germ, wheat bran or more oats. Don't worry if your bread looks "too brown" after baking- it is probably perfect!

2 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup unbleached flour

¼ cup flaxmeal

¼ cup oats + 1 tbsp

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups buttermilk (or milk mixed with 2 tbsp vinegar)
2 tbsp molasses

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl.

3. Whisk together oil, buttermilk and molasses in a smaller bowl. Stir into dry ingredients until combined.

4. Dump onto lined baking sheet and shape into slightly flattened round with moistened hands. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp additional oats.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until fully baked. let rest for 1/2 hour (if possible!) Serve fresh or wrap tightly and toast the next day.