Irish Soda Farls ~
Hearty and rustic Irish bread with simple plant-based ingredients.
Serve with Irish Stew for St. Patrick’s Day or as a snack with a hot cup of tea.
A Taste of Ireland
I like this Irish soda farls recipe because 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 in Northern 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 of basic ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, and our plant-based alternative to traditional buttermilk (oat milk and lemon juice)– yet yields a substantial and satisfying bread.
Traditional Irish Quick Bread
Irish soda bread farls, also known as soda bread or soda cake, are a type of quick bread known for its simple ingredients and hearty texture. The name “farl” comes from the Scottish word for a portion or division, reflecting the customary practice of shaping the soft dough into quarters before cooking them on a flat stovetop griddle or in a cast iron pan.
This easy homemade bread is often enjoyed as part of a traditional full Irish breakfast on Sunday mornings with a little butter or homemade jam. Soda farls also pair well with soups and stews and are an excellent addition to any St. Patrick’s Day menu.
Irish Soda Farls vs. Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda farl recipes and traditional Irish soda bread share 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 a drier crust and a softer inside, whereas soda farls tend to be denser throughout. Additionally, soda bread may include variations such as adding raisins or caraway seeds for extra flavor, whereas soda farls are usually kept plain, which is what makes them so delightful.
Cast Iron Cooking
For this recipe, we are following tradition and using a cast iron pan that has been preheated on the stovetop. The heavy skillet provides 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 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking 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-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
STEP TWO: While the skillet is preheating, combine the milk and lemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes.
STEP THREE: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the milk/lemon mixture.
STEP FOUR: Use your hands to knead lightly or a wooden spoon to mix together the wet and dry ingredients just 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 the sticky dough to a well-floured flat surface. Shape the dough into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Use a floured knife to cut the dough into quarters.
STEP SIX: Sprinkle a little flour into the preheated skillet. Transfer the farls to the floured skillet. Cook for 6 minutes on each side. The cooked farls will be slightly charred in places, feel firm to the touch, and sound hollow when tapped lightly. Serve hot.
Storage
- Store Irish Soda Farls in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Irish Soda Farls
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk or other mild-flavored plant milk, such as unsweetened almond
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for flouring work surface, knife, and skillet
Instructions
- Set an 8-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- While the skillet is preheating, combine the milk and lemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the milk/lemon mixture.
- Use your hands to knead lightly or a wooden spoon to mix together the wet and dry ingredients just 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.
- Transfer the sticky dough to a well-floured flat surface. Shape the dough into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Use a floured knife to cut the dough into quarters.
- Sprinkle a little flour into the preheated skillet. Transfer the farls to the floured skillet. Cook for 6 minutes on each side. The cooked farls will be slightly charred in places, feel firm to the touch, and sound hollow when tapped lightly. Serve hot.
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