Irish Soda Farls Recipe (2024)

Today’s Irish Soda Farls Recipe is a quick and simple soda bread that cooks in a skillet or griddle! I figured since I’m Irish and it’s getting close to St. Patricks Day it’s just got to be done! Soda Farls or as they’re commonly called in Ireland just plain Farls / Farl–will become a year round favorite. Our soda farl recipe will be your new go-to dinner biscuit!

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Why we love Irish Soda Farls Recipe

Our Culinary Journey Around the World is jumping over to explore Ireland for a few weeks. Today’s recipe traditionally came from Northern Ireland and later in the post we’re exploring Dublin, Ireland.

I’m quiet in love with Ireland! I’m so excited to share some of the beautiful sights with you but first, lets enjoy some Irish Soda Farls together.

What are Irish Soda Farls?

• Irish Soda Farls Recipe is a soda bread dough that’s flattened into a round circle, and divided into farls meaning 4 parts.

• It is also referred to as Irish Griddle Bread because it’s cooked on a dry griddle or pan lightly sprinkled with flour.

• Traditionally this was the quickest way to make soda bread for unexpected guests who drop by for a bit of craic (good fun).

• It’s best eaten fresh with butter and jam.

• Have you tried Irish Kerrygold brand butter in the photo’s? It’s so very delightful, rich, and flavorful!

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Traditional Irish Food

Irish food is known for the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Most cooking is done without herbs or spices, except for salt and pepper. Foods are usually served without sauce or gravy.

The staples of the Irish diet have traditionally been potatoes, grains (especially oats), and dairy products. Potatoes still appear at most Irish meals, with potato scones, similar to biscuits or muffins, a specialty in the north.

The Irish have also been accomplished cheesemakers for centuries. Ireland makes about fifty types of homemade “farmhouse” cheeses, which are considered delicacies.

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Ingredients in Irish Soda Farls Recipe

  • all-purpose flour
  • sea salt
  • baking soda
  • buttermilk

How to make Irish Soda Farls Recipe

  • Preheat heavy based flat griddle or skillet on medium to low heat.
  • Place flour and salt in a bowl and sift in baking soda. Make a well in the center, and pour in the buttermilk.
  • Work quickly to mix into dough and knead very lightly on a well floured surface. Form into a flattened circle, about 1/2 inch thick and cut into quarters with a floured knife.
  • Sprinkle a little flour over the base of the hot pan and cook the farls for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

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Amazing places to explore in Dublin, Ireland

Let take a look at some of the breath-taking places to visit in Ireland. . . someday I want to go and explore it all!

Erected in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.

It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction. . .

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Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 1191, is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. With its 43-metre spire, St. Patrick’s is the tallest church in Ireland and the largest. The Cathedral is a place where history is alive and tradition breathes, where lives are remembered and transformed, and where all are welcome to experience and explore the loving presence of God.

“A house of prayer for all nations”. . .

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The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, on Kildare Street in Dublin, first opened its doors in 1890 and since then it has been filling in the blanks for us through its extensive archaeological collections. The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard.

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Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or, Ireland’s Gold. Ramble through prehistoric Ireland and experience life at the same time of the Vikings in Viking Age Ireland. Medieval Ireland 1150-1550, documents life in Ireland in the age of cathedrals, monasteries and castles. . .

WOW, right?!?! I’m in head-over-heels in love with Ireland already 🙂

Yield: 4

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (8)

Irish Soda Farls Recipe is a quick and simple soda bread that cooks in a skillet or griddle!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat heavy based flat griddle or skillet on medium to low heat.
  2. Place flour and salt in a bowl and sift in baking soda. Make a well in the center, and pour in the buttermilk.
  3. Work quickly to mix into dough and knead very lightly on a well floured surface. Form into a flattened circle, about 1/2 inch thick and cut into quarters with a floured knife.
  4. Sprinkle a little flour over the base of the hot pan and cook the farls for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
  5. Enjoy your Irish Soda Farls Recipe!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 252Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 961mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 8g

I’m so excited to share that I was recently in Dublin, Ireland!

It was so much fun to explore and share with all of you the places above- talk about coming full circle! Here are my other recipes and posts for you to read and enjoy!

Irish Cheddar, Ham, and Chive Scones

Our Guinness Beef and Potato Stew

More Irish Recipes

Irish Corned Beef with Cabbage

Irish Mushroom Melt

Bangers and Mash with Brown Gravy

Irish Coffee with Baileys and Kahlua

Irish Cream Bundt Cake

• Irish Soda Bread

Irish Creme de Menthe co*cktail

Irish Stew

Irish Ginger Snaps

Enjoy our Irish Soda Farls Recipe– you’ll be in heaven with every bite!

One more thing before you go…

We love creating recipes and sharing our adventures with you, so if you can do us a huge favor it’d really support us! It’s easier to stay motivated to share our best with you when we hear from you! We adore our readers and it really makes our day to get comments, social tags/shares, or pins that you save for later to share with your family and friends.

Our hearts sing when you do.

We SEE you and we do our very best to respond to all the love! It also amps up our mo-jo so we get lots of awesome things done around here. Please reach out if you have questions or comments via our email: ruthie@cookingwithruthie.com. We’re excited to see you again soon!

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Thanks for sharing in the CWR blog-love!

Love Always,

Ruthie & Madeliene

*I adapted this recipe from Allrecipesand other rescourcesFoods by Nations, andVisit Doublin

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is soda farl made of? ›

Soda Farls are very easy to make. You only need 4 ingredient; flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and buttermilk. You simply combine them all together, being very cautious with your mixing and kneading – like Soda Bread, Soda Farls need a light touch.

Are soda farls healthy? ›

Nutrition Notes

Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

What is the difference between soda bread and soda farls? ›

The "griddle cakes", "griddle bread" (or soda farls in Ulster) take a more rounded shape and have a cross cut in the top to allow the bread to expand. The griddle cake or farl is a more flattened type of bread. It is cooked on a griddle, allowing it to take a more flat shape, and it is split into four sections.

What is traditional Irish soda bread made of? ›

Containing just four ingredients — all-purpose wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk — this Irish soda bread recipe is very much in line with what's eaten in Ireland. In addition to this version made with white flour, the Irish do make a whole wheat (aka wholemeal) variety as well.

Why is Irish soda bread so good? ›

Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that does not require any yeast. Instead, all of its leavening comes from baking soda and buttermilk. This Irish soda bread recipe is my grandmother's and has been cherished in my family for years. It's dense, yet soft and has the most incredible crusty exterior.

What to eat with Irish soda farls? ›

This versatile bread works for any meal, but Irish soda bread is a natural for breakfast, whether simply spread with (Irish) butter and jam or alongside that hearty fry-up known as a full Irish breakfast. It's also wonderful with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a late-night snack.

Is Irish soda bread good for your heart? ›

Yes! Between its straightforward recipe, short preparation and cooking time, and delicious taste, this is at the top of my list of bread to make! From traditional to added dried fruits, nuts and seeds, cheeses, and herbs, you can make your healthy Irish Soda Bread filled with heart healthy nutrients!

Which is better sourdough or soda bread? ›

Both types of bread use flour and contain refined carbohydrates. Sourdough bread would be considered healthier in the fact that it is a fermented food with lower gluten levels, making it easier to digest.

Is sourdough bread good for your gut? ›

Sourdough bread may be easier to digest than white bread for some people. According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system.

Where did the farls come from? ›

Potato farls originated in Ireland as a way to use leftover mashed potatoes from dinner the night before. Using leftovers makes this dish quick, easy, and delicious! Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day (or any day) with this recipe!

What country is famous for soda bread? ›

While soda bread is most famously attributed to Ireland, it was actually first created by Native Americans. They were the first to be documented using pearl ash, a natural form of soda formed from the ashes of wood, to leaven their bread without yeast.

What is bread soda called in America? ›

Sodium bicarbonate (IUPAC name: sodium hydrogencarbonate), commonly known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3.

Why do you put a cross in Irish soda bread? ›

I was always told that the cross on the top of Irish Soda Bread was to symbolize the Catholic faith of Ireland, and the Gaelic Cross. Some say it kept the Devil out, but that is what a cross is supposed to do also. Turns out that is true but more importantly, it helps in the baking of the bread.

Should Irish soda bread be dry? ›

In the final analysis, soda bread is just a dense quick bread like banana bread, and dense quick breads should be cooked to 200–205°F (93–96°C), an internal temperature that assures that enough water has been absorbed or cooked out so that it is no longer soggy, but not so hot that the crumb dries out.

Do they eat Irish soda bread in Ireland? ›

Each country has its “national” bread with recipes dating back to their forefathers. Ireland, for one, has embraced it's kind of bread – the soda bread. It is a basic staple among the Irish that they call it Irish Soda Bread. It's common to see the locals pair this famous bread with a bottle of Guinness too.

What flour is soda bread made from? ›

Soda bread can be made with white or brown flour, although, as David points out in her English Bread and Yeast Cookery, there is little point using strong bread flour here: the Irish often talk of a "cake" of brown bread, which gives you a fair idea of the texture to aim for.

What does bread soda contain? ›

The only ingredient in baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.

What's the difference between soda bread and normal bread? ›

What is soda bread? Soda bread is a type of quick bread which takes its name from the baking soda (or, sodium bicarbonate) that is used as a leavening agent instead of the traditional yeast. Traditionally, soda bread is made using flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.

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