Savory baking
Spring Onion and Turmeric Kefir Soda Bread
This golden loaf needs no yeast and no kneading. Kefir activates the baking soda, while spring onion, toasted coriander, turmeric, and oats turn it into a savory bread worth serving with soup or eggs.
Time20 minutes prep, 35 to 40 minutes baking, 45 minutes cooling
Makes1 round loaf, about 12 pieces
Make it
Method
- Heat the oven to 200°C, or 180°C fan, and line a large tray.
- Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, then crush them coarsely.
- Mix both flours, turmeric, baking soda, and salt. Rub in the cold butter, then stir in oats, spring onion, and coriander.
- Pour in the kefir and mix quickly until no dry flour remains. Press together gently; do not knead it smooth.
- Shape a 20 cm round on the tray and cut a deep cross through the top.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until deep gold and dry inside the cross. Cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing.
Why these flavors work
Kefir supplies both the liquid and the acidity that baking soda needs. Quick mixing keeps the crumb tender; extra kneading makes it heavy.
Store it
Best the day it is baked. Keep one day at room temperature or freeze individual slices for up to one month.
A substitution that works
Use chopped chives in place of spring onion, or add 40 g grated cheddar for a richer loaf.
If the texture is wrong
A compressed middle usually means the loaf was cut hot or the dough was overworked.