Parsnip Soda Bread

Finished Loaf

I wanted to try some baking that was a bit healthier than usual, and this recipe caught my eye, although I have substituted a few things from the original recipe to make it even healthier – although don’t get me wrong, I am all for full fat baking 95% of the time!

I really like beetroot chocolate cake, so I thought parsnips in bread wasn’t too much of a leap, and this is one of the easiest loaves you will ever make! It uses bicarbonate of soda, rather than yeast, as a raising agent, so doesn’t need any kneading, proving or resting, so it’s super quick and easy!

Parsnip Soda Bread

Dry Ingredients

Makes one large loaf

Ingredients:

250g plain white flour, plus extra for dusting
250g wholemeal flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
175g parsnips, peeled and grated
100g low fat mature cheddar, grated (plus extra for a topping if you want)
2 tsp ground cumin
approx 5 tbsp seeds (I used a mix of pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and poppy)
1 tsp sea salt

Acidified Milk

large pinch of pepper
400ml semi-skimmed or full-fat milk with 2tsp lemon juice

190oC fan oven/200oC other ovens

Method:

1.     First mix the milk with the lemon juice and leave to stand for at least 10 minutes, or until you’re ready to use it. It'll get slightly thicker, to the consistency of single cream.

2.     In a large bowl combine the flours, bicarb, parsnips, cumin, seeds, cheese and seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

Dough coming together

3.     Add the milk/lemon juice mix and bring the dough together – it’ll be sticky and won’t look like your typical smooth dough, but it doesn’t need to, that’s why this recipe is so easy!

4.     Shape the dough in a round, put on a baking tray, score a cross on the top with a sharp knife and sprinkle with extra cheese if you want to.

5.     Bake in the centre of your pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Ready for the oven!

This bread makes amazing toast, freezes well and will last for up to a week in an airtight container - it's too easy and tasty not to give it a go!

Happy Baking!


The Baking Ginger xx

Finished slices!