Solar Cooked Irish Soda Bread

Harness the power of the sun to create a rustic and flavorful Solar Cooked Irish Soda Bread that’s as eco-friendly as it is delicious! Perfect for sunny days, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar into a hearty, golden loaf with a tender crumb. Whether baked with or without raisins, it achieves a beautifully crisp crust thanks to the slow, steady heat of a solar cooker. The process is delightfully low-tech yet rewarding, making it an excellent choice for sustainable cooking enthusiasts. Serve this sun-baked delight warm with butter, jam, or alongside a comforting bowl of soup for a truly satisfying treat. This recipe is a unique and sustainable twist on a classic Irish favorite that's perfect for outdoor cooking adventures.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 0.5 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your solar cooker by placing it in direct sunlight to reach an internal temperature of approximately 300°F (150°C). This may take 20-30 minutes depending on the weather conditions.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 3

Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If using raisins, stir them into the dry mixture at this stage to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Step 5

Gradually add the buttermilk to the mixture and gently mix using a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue until a soft, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead just a few times to ensure it comes together. Shape the dough into a round loaf, about 1.5 inches thick.

Step 7

Place the shaped dough onto a solar-oven-safe baking dish, such as a cast-iron skillet or dark metal pan. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross into the top of the loaf (about 1/2 inch deep). This allows the bread to expand properly as it bakes.

Step 8

Close the solar oven and place it in direct sunlight, ensuring the reflectors are properly angled for maximum heat absorption.

Step 9

Bake for approximately 75-90 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure consistent sunlight. The soda bread is done when the crust is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Carefully remove the bread from the solar oven using oven mitts. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Step 11

Enjoy this hearty, sun-baked Irish soda bread with butter or jam, or use it to complement soups and stews.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1059.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2677.9

Total Fat 67.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 171.0mg	0%
Sodium 4105.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 455.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 72.7g
Protein 66.3g	0%

Vitamin D 222.0IU	0%
Calcium 622.3mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 1743.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.5%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 67.7%