Farl means “four parts” in Gaelic, and this recipe is the traditional (and absolute quickest) way to make soda bread farls for unexpected guests who drop by for a bit of craic (good fun). Instead of baking a large loaf in the oven, this soda bread dough is flattened into a round and cooked directly on a dry griddle or heavy skillet.
It is best eaten fresh and warm with melting butter and sweet jam, but it is also exceptionally delicious pan-fried in oil or butter as a core component of a traditional Ulster fry. With just four everyday ingredients, you can have fresh, authentic Irish soda bread on your table in 20 minutes!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 farls
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Note: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup for a fluffier texture!)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 cup Buttermilk
Directions: Step-by-Step
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy-based flat griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Place the all-purpose flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, and sift in the baking soda to ensure there are no lumps.
- Add the Wet: Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, and pour in the buttermilk.
- Form the Dough: Work quickly to mix the ingredients into a wet dough. Turn it out onto a well-floured surface and knead it very lightly.
- Shape and Cut: Form the dough into a flattened circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Using a floured knife, cut the circle into quarters (the farls). Note: The dough will be quite sticky, so keep your hands and tools dusted with flour!
- Cook: Sprinkle a little flour over the base of your hot pan. Cook the farls on the dry skillet for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm!
Community Chef’s Tips
- For a Softer Texture: Cut 2 tablespoons of cold butter into the dry ingredients (similar to making a pie crust) before adding the buttermilk. This gives the bread a slightly softer, richer texture.
- Sweet Additions: Try tossing a handful of sultanas (golden raisins) into the dough if you want a sweeter treat to pair with your afternoon tea.
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