In this healthy whole-wheat Irish soda bread recipe, the addition of fruit and caraway seeds is often referred to as “spotted dog,” but you can omit them if you prefer a more traditional Irish soda bread. Baked in a skillet, this crowd-pleasing bread is delicious eaten warm with a pat of butter.

Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

Serves 12

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 1/2 cups white whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup currants

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 tablespoon caraway seeds

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 1/4 cups buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. Warm a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and add butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.

3. Combine flour, currants, raisins, caraway seeds, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring just until the flour is fully incorporated. Do not overmix. The dough should be sticky and a little shaggy.

4. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. It’s OK if it doesn't reach all the way to the sides. Use a sharp knife to score a deep X in the top of the loaf.

5. Bake until cooked through and golden brown, about 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Recipe nutrition per serving: 214 Calories, Total Fat: 2 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 4 mg, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Fiber: 5 g, Total Sugars: 10 g, Protein: 8 g, Sodium: 354 mg, Potassium: 235 mg, Iron: 6 mg, Folate: 3 mcg, Calcium: 66 mg, Vitamin A: 58 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg.

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(EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.)

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