As part of this month’s Sourdough Surprises, I was challenged to create an Irish Soda Bread using my sourdough starter. A contrary concept – making a quick bread using a slow rise levain – but a very simple and very tasty one. Soda bread, traditionally risen using the activation of baking soda is basically a scone. In this recipe, yogurt is used for moisture and flavour, as well as a good dollop of pesto – a bit of a lame attempt at working in the St Patrick’s theme to an already Irish good..
Check out other Irish Soda Breads from the Sourdough community at the link below.
Sourdough Pesto Irish Soda Bread
Recipe adapted from Allison and Simon Holst’s NZ Bread Book
Makes 1 20cm boule
This is a super simple and super quick loaf! Warm from the oven with a pat of butter and a smear of pesto… perfect for a cozy evening in while the snow (continues to) fall.
1 cup sourdough starter
2 cups standard plain flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
2/3 cup milk
2 Tbsp basil pesto
1/2 cup plain unsweetened yoghurt
Measure the sourdough, milk, pesto and yoghurt into a small bowl and stir to combine.Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture together, trying to combine it evenly but without over-mixing.
Tip the dough onto a lightly floured board and shape it into a ball. Flatten a little until it is disc-shaped and measures just over 15cm across and place it on a lightly floured or baking paper lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about halfway down) into the dough so it opens nicely during baking.
Bake in the middle of the oven at 350°F for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Great idea to add pesto – makes me hungry for summer!
PS, don’t forget to add your link to the collection! (It doesn’t happen automatically.)
Ooh I see – thanks!
Ahh pesto – very on-message
I bet it was delicious!
That sounds absolutely delicious!
What a great idea!! Who doesn’t like Pesto:) Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
Yum! Just looking at that bright green pesto makes me happy
Mhmm pesto and bread is so underrated!! This looks delicious.
Pero que bueno tu pan relleno de pesto :=)
Un saluito