St. Patrick's Day is synonymous with certain culinary traditions: cabbage, green desserts, and, of course, Irish soda bread. For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, the traditional carb-laden soda bread is off-limits. However, this keto Irish soda bread recipe offers a delicious, grain-free, and gluten-free alternative that captures the essence of this classic bread without derailing your diet. This recipe delivers a satisfyingly crunchy crust and rustic texture, all while being incredibly simple to make.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto Irish soda bread stands out for its simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can create a flavorful and satisfying bread that fits your ketogenic needs. It's so delicious, you will want to make it all year around.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Ground Flaxseed: Both brown and golden flaxseed meal work well in this recipe. Brown flaxseed offers a nuttier flavor.
- Psyllium Husk Powder: This prebiotic fiber is crucial for creating a fluffy texture in low-carb bread. It is important that you use powdered psyllium and not whole psyllium husks.
- Buttermilk: The secret ingredient in classic Irish soda bread, buttermilk contributes to the bread's leavening and tangy flavor. While buttermilk contains a moderate amount of carbs, the carb count per slice remains keto-friendly. If you really, really want to avoid buttermilk, I suggest that you use full fat plain yogurt or Greek yogurt instead. Another option would be to replace the buttermilk with ¼ cup or 60 ml heavy cream, ¼ cup or 60 ml almond milk and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- Egg: Whisking the egg well before adding it to the mixture ensures even distribution and contributes to the bread's structure. For a better rise and a light crumb texture, it is helpful if all wet ingredients (the buttermilk and the egg) are room temperature.
- Baking Soda: Also known as bicarbonate of soda, baking soda is the essential leavening agent that defines soda bread.
- Salt: A dash of sea salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Almond Flour: I used mostly almond flour with a touch of coconut flour to get the right consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ground flaxseed, psyllium husk powder, almond flour, baking soda, and salt (if using).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a hollow in the center of the dry ingredients and add the beaten egg and buttermilk.
- Form the Dough: Combine the wet and dry ingredients with a spatula, then knead the dough until smooth. If required, knead the dough and add more almond milk.
- Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flaxseed and psyllium husk to absorb moisture.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F (electric) or 160C / 320F (fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shape and Score: Form the dough into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking tray. Score the top of the loaf with a knife. You may need to wet your knife so it doesn’t stick to the dough too much. Cut a deep X into the center.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the bread after 30 minutes in the oven. Once the top is golden, cover it loosely with aluminium foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent over-browning. You need the initial blast of heat from the oven to make the bread rise properly.
- Cool: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. It firms up as it cools. Keto Irish Soda Bread is very fragile when it first comes out of the oven so let it cool completely to firm up.
Tips for Success
- Powdered Psyllium Husk: Ensure you use powdered psyllium husk, not whole psyllium husks, for the best texture.
- Temperature: For a better rise and a light crumb, use room-temperature wet ingredients (buttermilk and egg).
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before slicing. This allows it to firm up and prevents it from being too crumbly.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Sweet Version: Add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sweetener of your choice (allulose works well) for a sweeter bread. Incorporate a handful of sugar-free dried cranberries instead of currants.
- Crunchy Version: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to the dough or sprinkle them on top.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute the almond flour with a blend of sunflower seed flour and sesame seed flour for a nut-free version. St. If you don’t have nut allergies like our family, try using the same amount of almond flour in place of the sunflower seeds. Also replace the baking powder with baking soda.
Serving Suggestions
This keto Irish soda bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Toasted with Butter: Simple and classic, toasting a slice and spreading it with butter is a delightful way to enjoy this bread.
- With Sweet Toppings: For breakfast, try it with sugar-free strawberry jam or sugar-free lemon curd.
- As a Sandwich: Top it with ham and cheese, keto tuna salad, or keto egg salad for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- With Soups and Stews: Its mild sweetness makes it a great accompaniment to soups and stews.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze pre-sliced bread for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to grab a slice and toast it whenever you like.
Why Traditional Irish Soda Bread Isn't Keto-Friendly
Traditional Irish soda bread typically contains wheat flour, buttermilk, salt and baking soda, making it unsuitable for a ketogenic diet. According to Cronometer, 1 slice, or about 60 grams has 165 calories, and 31.7 grams total carbs. This keto-friendly version replaces the wheat flour with almond flour and other low-carb ingredients, significantly reducing the carb count.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Purple Bread: Some psyllium husk brands can cause the bread to turn purple when baked. This does not affect the taste. Brands like BonPom, Green Origins, and Just Natural are less likely to cause this issue. The NOW brand is also fine.
- Nut Allergy: If you have a nut allergy, substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour.
The History and Significance of Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread is typically made with buttermilk. Why is this? It’s also customizable when it comes to add-ins. You can make Irish Soda Bread with raisins, that’s how I make mine, or try walnuts, cranberries, and the like. Soda bread is a quick bread that relies on baking soda instead of yeast for leavening. Its origins can be traced back to Ireland, where it became a staple due to the availability of soft wheat flour and baking soda. The traditional recipe calls for simple ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
A Keto-Friendly Twist on a Classic
This keto Irish soda bread recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors and traditions of St. Patrick's Day without compromising your dietary goals. It's a testament to the fact that you can indulge in your favorite comfort foods while maintaining a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. This tender almond flour bread has a crusty exterior and sugar-free dried cranberries in place of the traditional currants.
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