With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner it seemed like the perfect time for some gluten free Irish soda bread. This one is a variation on the theme since the traditional Irish soda bread is a plain tasting, country style bread that doesn’t include currants, caraway seeds, eggs, butter, or sugar. (But don’t worry, I’ve given substitutions for nearly every one of those ingredients so you can switch the bread up as you like.) To be fair, Irish soda bread isn’t normally gluten free either. But then, there’s no reason those of us with celiac or gluten intolerance shouldn’t enjoy it too, is there? And this is the way I remember Irish soda bread – crusty on the outside while being moist, soft, and a bit chewy on the inside. Something I’ve really craved since having to go gluten free!. And because it’s so flavorful you can eat it on its own, or with your favorite St. Patrick’s Day feast. Or really any other time, for that matter. 

Now for those substitutions: Some of these changes will affect the taste. (For example, if you choose to omit the caraway seeds or sugar it won’t be quite the same.)

1. If you don’t have currants, raisins will do.
2. If you don’t have caraway seeds or don’t care for them, you may omit them. But if you haven’t had them before, I urge you to give them a try.
3. You may substitute the egg with 1 Tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax seeds and 3 Tablespoons hot water. Stir and allow to form a gel before adding to the liquid ingredients.
4. The butter may be exchanged for a non-dairy butter.
5. The sugar may be cut back or excluded entirely.
6. The buttermilk may be exchanged for Greek yogurt or sour milk.
(To make a vegan buttermilk or sour milk measure 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice into 1 3/4 cup unsweetened milk of your choosing – though I don’t recommend rice milk for this! Allow to sit for at least 5 minutes before adding to the liquid ingredients.)

I confess, it’s not very Irish of me, but the Greek yogurt is a really delicious substitution!