This recipe is based off of one I found from an old Bon Appetit Magazine. Once I learned how to create this vegan version of buttermilk, I knew I could make this bread and it is delicious! Serve at room temperature (or even better, warm with a little vegan margarine). Just look at how moist, dense and YUMMY this looks!”

The best part of this bread is that there is no waiting for it to rise. Just mix and bake.

Let’s begin with the browned butter. Heat the margarine in a small sauce pan until it becomes golden brown. Watch carefully, as it can go too far very quickly. Set aside to cool.

One of the biggest issues with traditional soda bread is that it uses buttermilk. Luckily, there is a very simple solution for us vegans. Into a glass measuring cup, place the almond (or soy) milk and the vinegar. It will foam and curdle. Don’t get nervous! This is what we are looking for. To create the properties of a true buttermilk. This will help the bread rise and lighten it a bit.

Here’s what it looks like after 5 minutes. Not very appealing at this point, is it 🙂

While the buttermilk mixture is working it’s magic, mix together the dry ingredients until well combined.

Add the cooled browned butter and the buttermilk mixture. DO NOT OVERMIX or your bread will become tough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth.

Place onto your baking sheet and with a very sharp knife, cut the traditional “x” into the dough, brush with a bit of almond milk (this would be the “egg” wash) and sprinkle with a bit of black pepper.

Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted comes clean.

Pull apart the bread and serve warm or at room temperature. Equally yummy!



