Irish Soda Bread & Chimichurri Pairing

🍀 🍞 The (Unexpectedly) Perfect Pairing

Warm soda bread and fresh chimichurri might not be traditional, but they work beautifully together.

First: Warm Irish Soda Bread, fresh from the oven with its golden crust and tender crumb.

Second: a bright, herb-packed Shamrock Chimichurri, bursting with parsley, oregano, garlic, and finished with fragrant Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The bread provides the comfort.

The chimichurri brings brightness.

The result is simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Tear off a piece of bread, dip it into the chimichurri, and suddenly a humble loaf becomes the centerpiece of the table.

It is rustic. It is festive. And it is exactly the kind of food that invites people to linger a little longer.

Let’s get baking.

🍞 Irish Soda Bread

A classic Irish soda bread is wonderfully simple: flour, buttermilk, baking soda, and a hot oven. No yeast. No waiting.

It comes together quickly and bakes into a rustic loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior that is perfect for tearing and dipping.

Ingredients:
- 3 ⅓ cups flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 ¼ cup buttermilk

- 1 teaspoon olive oil for brushing

For the olive oil, we recommend using one of Big Horn’s fresh, unflavored extra virgin olive oils to keep the flavor clean and classic.

Instructions:

Act 1 — Preheat the Oven & Get Preppin'

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Use a fork to mix everything thoroughly so the baking soda is evenly distributed.

Act 2 — Do the Dough

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and slowly add most of the buttermilk while mixing.

The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky mass. If it feels dry, add a small splash of the remaining buttermilk.

Act 3 — Shape the Loaf

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until it holds together.

Shape it into an 8-inch round loaf and place it on a floured or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-inch deep cross on the top of the loaf.

Brush lightly with olive oil.

Act 4 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 25–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.

Now comes the fun part...

🍀 Shamrock Chimichurri

This bright green sauce is inspired by classic Argentine chimichurri, but the vibrant herb blend makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Fresh parsley and oregano create the backbone, garlic and shallot add depth, and Basil EVOO ties everything together with a fragrant herbal finish.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (packed)

- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped

- 1 small shallot, finely minced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- ½ cup Big Horn Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil

- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

- ½ teaspoon kosher salt

- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness

Instructions:

Act 1 — Pulse those Herbs!

Add the parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.

Pulse gently until the mixture becomes a chunky herb paste.

Do not over-blend. Chimichurri should remain rustic with visible herbs.

Act 2 — Liquids Join the Party

Transfer the herb mixture to a bowl.

Stir in Basil EVOO, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes until the sauce loosens into a spoonable consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Act 3 — Serve and Enjoy!

That's it! Your Chimichurri is ready.

Fresh. Herbal. Bright. Slightly spicy.

This bright, herb-packed chimichurri comes together in minutes and makes the perfect green centerpiece for your St. Patrick’s Day table.

Try Pairing in a Few Ways:

• Tear warm bread and dip directly into chimichurri

• Spread chimichurri on slices like herb butter

• Use both alongside grilled steak or chicken

• Build sandwiches with bread, roast beef, and chimichurri

• Serve the sauce with roasted potatoes and bread on the side

• Toast leftover bread and use it as chimichurri crostini

Once you make the sauce, you will find yourself using it on everything!

Enjoy! 🍀