Name: Quick Sourdough Soda Bread Recipe | The Starter Jar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 200g active sourdough starter (fed or discard); 300g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness); 240ml buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar); 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing, optional)

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly flour a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and doesn't stick.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and buttermilk, whisking until well combined. This forms the wet base for your quick bread.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional sugar. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Step 4

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and make the bread tough.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead for about 1 minute, just enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball. Avoid excessive handling.

Step 6

Shape the dough into a round loaf, approximately 6-7 inches in diameter, and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep 'X' into the top of the loaf.

Step 7

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Research from the American Test Kitchen indicates that a hollow sound is a reliable indicator of doneness for quick breads.

Step 8

If desired, brush the warm loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven for a softer crust and added flavor. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.