Pic of Carrot, walnut and thyme soda bread

Carrot, walnut and thyme soda bread

Show ingredients

Carrot, walnut and thyme soda bread

Side Serves 8 1h
Combine the last few carrots in your box with some pungent, woody thyme and crunchy walnuts in this instant bread. Yeast-free, there's no kneading or proving required; the rise comes from the bicarbonate of soda as it reacts with the soured yoghurt. We've use whole yoghurt mixed with a little lemon juice instead of traditional buttermilk, as it's difficult to find an organic one. Serve with a simple soup like leek and potato.

Ingredients

  • 250g plain flour
  • 250g wholemeal flour, plus a little extra
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 150g carrots, grated
  • 75g walnuts.chopped
  • leaves from 2 large sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 300ml plain whole yoghurt mixed with a good squeeze of lemon juice
  • 125ml milk

Method

Prep time: 15 min
Cooking time: 45 min

  • Step 1

    Put a non-stick baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 230°C/Gas 8.

  • Step 2

    In a large bowl, stir together the flours, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Add the carrots, walnuts and thyme.

  • Step 3

    Stir in the yoghurt, adding just enough milk (you might not need all of it) to form a soft dough. Don't over mix it.

  • Step 4

    Tip the mixture onto a floured work surface and shape into a flattish ball. Transfer to the baking sheet.

  • Step 5

    Make two deep slashes in the top to form a cross, this helps the bread cook evenly.

  • Step 6

    Sprinkle over a little wholemeal flour and bake for 15 minutes.

  • Step 7

    Reduce the temperature to 200°C/Gas 6 and bake for 20-25 minutes or so, until cooked through.

  • Step 8

    The bottom will sound hollow when you tap it, the crust should be crunchy and the inside soft.