Irish Soda Farls Recipe for the Skillet
Four simple soda breads cooked on a skillet until browned and cooked through.
Irish soda farls are quick griddle breads divided into four wedges and cooked in a dry pan. The source calls for oven baking, but the characteristic farl method is to cook the round on a griddle or heavy skillet. Mix only until the dough comes together, pat it into a circle and turn the farls once the underside is browned. Whisk flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Pour in most of the buttermilk and mix with a fork until a soft dough forms. Add remaining buttermilk only if needed. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 2-cm-thick round and cut into four wedges. Warm a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-low heat; do not add oil.
Recipe card
Irish Soda Farls Recipe for the Skillet
Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
Make dough
Pour in most of the buttermilk and mix with a fork until a soft dough forms. Add remaining buttermilk only if needed.
Shape farl
Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 2-cm-thick round and cut into four wedges.
Heat griddle
Warm a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-low heat; do not add oil.
Cook
Cook farls 7 to 9 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Lower heat if they brown too quickly.
Serve
Wrap briefly in a clean towel and serve warm.
How to tell when it is ready
Wrap briefly in a clean towel and serve warm.
Tips
- Whisk flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
- Pour in most of the buttermilk and mix with a fork until a soft dough forms.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Warm a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Troubleshooting
- If dough is sticky, dust lightly with flour.
- If outside browns too quickly, reduce heat so the centre cooks.
Substitutions
- Use plant milk soured with lemon juice.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend with appropriate binder.
Variations
- Add a spoon of oats.
- Use wholemeal flour for half the amount.
Serving suggestions
- Serve warm with butter.
- Pair with soup.
- Add jam for breakfast.
- Offer alongside eggs.
Make ahead
Prepare components ahead and store safely. Best fresh. Store cooled farls in an airtight container up to 2 days and toast to refresh.
Storage
Best fresh. Store cooled farls in an airtight container up to 2 days and toast to refresh.
Food safety
Cook through before serving; use clean hands and utensils.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use plain yoghurt?
Thin plain yoghurt with a little milk until it has a buttermilk-like consistency.
How should I store irish soda farls?
Best fresh. Store cooled farls in an airtight container up to 2 days and toast to refresh.
Serve warm with butter. Best fresh. Store cooled farls in an airtight container up to 2 days and toast to refresh.
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