Irish Soda Bread

This vegan version of traditional Irish soda bread is wholesome, easy to make and a down-to-earth family favourite.

1 cup soy or rice milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups flour (or 1 cup plain and 1 cup wholemeal)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarb soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup raisins or sultanas

Preheat oven to 180°C.
Add the vinegar to the milk and set aside to 'curdle'. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, including the raisins/sultanas; the flour coats them and keeps them from clumping all together in one place in the dough. When the oven is ready add the wet to the dry and mix just until everything comes together into a dough. Sprinkle a bit of flour onto a tray lined with baking paper or just lightly greased. Form the dough into a ball, sprinkle a hint of flour on top and give it a little "x" cross on the top. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. Give it a toothpick test for doneness and if it sounds hollow when you tap it, it's certainly ready. Place it on a rack to cool or the bottom might get soft. You can also bake the bread in a loaf or shape pan as I did. Just remember to grease the loaf pan so you can get it out.

Dust with icing sugar, serve cut into slices either as is or with a little jam or marmalade. Happy St Patrick's Day!

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