Northern Irish Spelt Soda Farls

Servings: 4 Total Time: 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Light, warm, and ready in minutes
Realistic high-resolution photo of Northern Irish spelt soda farls. Four soft triangular farls, lightly browned, cooked on a griddle, placed on a linen-lined wooden board. View Gallery 3 photos

A Quick and Comforting Staple

Northern Irish Spelt Soda Farls cook fast, taste warm and mild, and work with both sweet and savoury toppings. The dough comes together in minutes, giving you a soft, fresh bread without yeast. Spelt adds a gentle nutty edge while keeping the texture light. They suit busy mornings or simple suppers.

Why This Recipe Works

You need only a few pantry ingredients and a hot pan. There is no kneading, no proving, and no long wait. The dough stays soft and easy to shape. The farls cook evenly and stay tender inside with a light crust outside. They serve well with butter, jam, eggs, or grilled meats.

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 15 mins
Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: £ 2.40 Calories: 160
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

These Northern Irish Spelt Soda Farls are soft, warm, and fast to cook. The dough uses spelt flour and baking soda for a gentle rise, giving tender farls with a clean flavour. They suit breakfast, snacks, or simple meals and pair with both sweet and savoury toppings.

Ingredients

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Instructions

Heat the pan

  1. Warm a heavy pan or griddle on medium heat.

Mix dry ingredients

  1. Combine spelt flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.

Add buttermilk

  1. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until a soft dough forms.

Note: Add a splash more buttermilk if the dough feels dry.

Shape the dough

  1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a round about 2 cm thick.

Cut into farls

  1. Slice the round into four even quarters.

Cook the farls

  1. Place the farls on the warm pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until lightly browned and firm.

Cool slightly and serve

  1. Allow them to rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 160kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.6g3%
Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Cholesterol 4mg2%
Sodium 294mg13%
Potassium 130mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 2.5g
Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

Farls taste best warm. If reheating, warm them on a dry pan to keep the texture soft.


Optional Substitutions / Variations

  • Swap buttermilk for milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  • Add 1 tbsp honey for a light sweetness.
  • Add ½ tsp dried herbs for a savoury twist.

Storage:
Keep wrapped in a clean cloth for up to 24 hours.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with butter, jam, fried eggs, bacon, or smoked fish.

Keywords: soda farls, spelt farls, Irish bread, quick bread, easy breakfast

Tips & Variations

Make Them Extra Soft

For softer farls, reduce heat slightly and cook slower. This keeps the inside tender without over-browning the crust.

Add Gentle Flavours

Try mixing in grated apple for a sweet version or cracked pepper for a savoury version. Small changes add interest without altering the method.


Conclusion

Northern Irish Spelt Soda Farls make fresh, warm bread in minutes. They are simple, soft, and versatile. Cook a batch when you need something quick and comforting. Share your favourite toppings after giving them a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use plain flour instead of spelt?

Yes. Plain flour works well but may need a little less buttermilk.

Why are my farls dense?

Too little buttermilk or mixing the dough too much can make them heavy. Keep the dough soft and handle it briefly.

can I bake them instead of pan-cooking?

Yes. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 12–14 minutes. The texture will be slightly drier.

Can I add oil or butter to the dough?

You can add 1 tbsp melted butter for a richer taste, though it is optional.

Are farls best eaten fresh?

Yes. They taste best warm from the pan but reheat well.

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