Fennel Soda Bread

Ingredients and Weight:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) fennel seeds
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fennel seeds.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, water, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Form the dough into a ball, place it on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten it into a round.
6. Cut a cross on top of the bread using a sharp knife.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg

Dish Characteristics:

• Dense and chewy
• Aromatic with fennel flavor
• Golden brown crust
• Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or as a side dish

User Comments:

• "This bread is so flavorful and easy to make. I love the fennel seeds." - Sarah J.
• "I was skeptical about the fennel flavor, but it was surprisingly delicious. The bread is moist and perfect for sandwiches." - John B.
• "I made this bread for my family and they raved about it. It's so much better than store-bought bread." - Mary K.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have fennel seeds, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried thyme or oregano.
• For a softer bread, use whole milk instead of buttermilk.
• Don't overmix the dough, as this will make the bread tough.
• Allow the bread to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.