Hearty Millet & Currant Whole Wheat Soda Bread

1. Preheat Oven and Grease Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. As it heats up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the dough from sticking.

2. Prepare Millet

To prepare the millet, heat a teaspoon of canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked millet and toast it for about 2-3 minutes until it's golden and fragrant. Pour in a cup of boiling water, add the Zante currants, and give it a good stir. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the millet is tender. Fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the sugar and caraway seeds.

4. Cut in Margarine

Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the cold vegan margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This helps to create a tender texture in the bread.

5. Prepare Soy Milk Mixture

In a measuring cup, combine the soy milk with the apple cider vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle. This mixture will act similarly to buttermilk, adding a slight tang and helping the bread rise.

6. Mix Dough

Now, stir the curdled soy milk and the cooled millet mixture into the flour mixture. Mix until it comes together into a dense dough. If the dough feels too moist, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. Knead the dough gently until it forms a cohesive ball.

7. Shape and Brush Dough

Pat the dough into the prepared cake pan, forming it into an even layer. Using a thin, sharp knife, cut a cross into the top of the dough. Brush the surface with soy milk, which will help it to brown nicely as it bakes.

8. Bake Bread

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean, and the bread should be well browned.

9. Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy the hearty flavors of millet and the sweetness of currants in every bite!