Lievito Madre Discard Soda Bread
This sourdough Irish soda bread is made with lievito madre discard for a unique twist on a classic Irish recipe. It has a soft, tender crumb with a milky tangy flavor and crusty exterior!
I love dunking a rustic piece of Irish soda bread into soups and stews, especially on St. Patrick’s Day! This sourdough Irish soda bread recipe is a twist on the classic and uses tangy sourdough discard for an expected yet delightful flavor addition.
I used my lievito madre sourdough starter discard but you could use active sourdough starter if you would like. True to a traditional Irish soda bread, this bread is not relying on the natural yeast to rise but instead the buttermilk and baking soda.
The sourdough discard adds a depth of flavor to the soda bread and all you need to do is mix, shape and bake. No long fermentation time required!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy: Only 6 ingredients are needed for this simple sourdough discard Irish soda bread and with no long fermentation process required this bread is ready in under an hour.
- Flavorful: While baking soda does neutralize the tangy sourdough flavor slightly, it also contributes to the overall subtle flavor and adds moisture to the soft tender crumb.
- Reduce food waste: Using the lievito madre leftover sourdough starter discard is just one more way to use discard! It’s a great way to repurpose it and leave no waste behind.
Ingredient Notes
- Lievito madre sourdough discard: A tangy unfed sourdough starter that shouldn’t be more then 3-4 days old, it is the perfect compliment to an Irish soda bread!
- Buttermilk: You can use homemade or store bought buttermilk but don’t skip it! Buttermilk is the acidic ingredient that reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise.
- All-purpose flour: This adds structure to the homemade sourdough Irish soda bread.
- Granulated sugar: A small amount of sugar adds a sweet taste to the bread.
- Baking soda: Always ensure your baking soda is fresh so it can properly aid in leavening the bread.
- Salt: A flavor enhancer, Kosher salt is often used, but any salt will work.
- Raisins: If using raisins, soak in boiling water for 10-15 minutes then drain and towel dry.
Add-Ins and Variations
- Orange zest and currants: Use the zest of one orange and about 100g of currants to add a heavenly aroma and flavor.
- Caraway seeds: These seeds are a very popular addition to soda bread.
- Oats: A handful of oats can be added to the dough, then roll the ball of dough with oats for a lovely texture before baking.
- Other mix-ins: Chocolate chips, savory herbs, Parmesan cheese or poppy seeds. These are less common but fun add-ins!
How to Make Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
To start, in a small bowl stir the sourdough discard and buttermilk.
Next, in a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients including the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and raisins.
Add the discard mixture and combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture using a fork until almost combined. The dough will be shaggy.
Move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead a few times to bring the dough together. Form dough into an oval shape and place on a prepared parchment paper lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score the dough with a deep cross.
Bake until golden brown and baked through. Move to a wire rack and let cool before serving.
discard soda bread tips
- Type of flour: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. For a sweeter bread, use a soft wheat flour such as type 00.
- Score the dough: Not only because the cross is a traditional Irish superstition but because it helps the bread bake evenly and expand in the oven.
- Dutch oven: While sourdough Irish soda bread is usually baked on a baking sheet, you can use your Dutch oven for a crustier crust.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk: This is a needed ingredient for the chemical reaction that occurs between the acidic buttermilk and baking soda. Make homemade sour milk by combining cream, milk and vinegar or lemon juice. A vegan version of this works as well.
- Cool before slicing: Otherwise the bread is gummy in texture and taste. Use a serrated knife for slicing and slice into wedges to prevent it from crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
This sourdough Irish soda bread recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any winter meal such as this Italian beef stew, corned beef or shepherd’s pie. It’s equally as good, though, with creamy Irish butter (or homemade butter) and jam!
How to make the soda bread with traditional sourdough starter
To make the bread with traditional sourdough starter discard use the same amount of starter but add 1-2 tablespoons extra of flour. Depending on the type of flour you may need a bit more.
More Sourdough Discard Recipes
- Easy Sourdough Pizza
- Lievito Madre Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sourdough Breakfast Crescent Rolls
- Homemade Sourdough Pasta
Nothing like a delicious Soda bread and this one made with lievito madre discard is so tasty! Buon Appetito!
Lievito Madre Discard Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lievito madre discard
- ¾ cup buttermilk (store bought or homemade) room temperature
- 1¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F/190C, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl soak the raisins in boiling water for 10-15 minutes then drain and towel dry.
- In a small bowl mix the discard and buttermilk.
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and raisins. Then add the discard and combine with a fork until almost combined.
- Move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead a few times to bring the dough together, form into an oval shape and place on the prepared baking sheet, score the dough with a deep cross with a sharp knife.
- Bake 30-40 minutes until baked through. Move to a wire rack and let cool before serving. Enjoy!