Spotted Dog is a traditional Irish recipe for a classic fruited sodabread bun made with buttermilk. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Irish version of: Spotted Dog.
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Spotted dog is an enriched soda bread made with sugar, sultanas and egg. This is a true, traditional, farmhouse classic that’s best served warm.
Ingredients:
450g plain flour, plus extra to dust
1 tsp salt
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tbsp caster sugar
110g sultanas
1 medium free-range egg
300ml buttermilk
Method:
Pre-heat your oven to 200°C fan (gas mark 7). Set a baking tray on the top shelf of the oven to warm up.
Sift together the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and sultanas, then mix well with your hands, lifting up the flour and fruit mixture (this will add more air and make a lighter loaf).
In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk and 2 tbsp water.
Form a well in the centre of the flour then pour in the liquid ingredients.
Using a wooden spoon or a knife, gradually stir the liquid into the dry ingredients. Use your hands to bring the mixture together to form a soft dough.
Carefully remove the heated baking tray from the oven and dust liberally with flour.
Shape the dough into a ball shape, about 15cm in diameter. Flatten the base then cut a deep cross into the top with a sharp knife, dust with a little flour, then transfer to the hot baking tray.
Transfer to the top shelf of your oven and bake for 30 minutes or until risen, lightly browned and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool. This is best served slightly warm, sliced into thick slices and spread liberally with butter.
