Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

For 10 portions

• 🌾 250g whole grain flour
• 🌾 250g flour
• 🧂 1 Tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 🧂 1 Tsp salt
• 🥛 400ml buttermilk, whole
• 🌾 15g oats (dry)

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and dust a baking tray with a little flour.
2. Mix both flours, the bicarbonate of soda and the salt in a large bowl, sifting the bicarbonate to break up any lumps.
3. Make a well in the middle and pour in most of the buttermilk. Stir with a fork, then one hand, adding the rest as needed, until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Work quickly and don't knead.
4. Turn out onto a floured surface, shape gently into a round about 4 cm deep and put it on the tray.
5. Scatter over the oats, pressing them in lightly. Cut a deep cross across the top with a floured knife, almost through to the base.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until well browned and the base sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool on a rack, wrapped in a clean tea towel for a softer crust. It is best on the day, with butter or alongside soup.