Simple Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 170 g self-raising wholemeal flour
• 170 g plain flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 290 ml pint buttermilk

If you cannot find buttermilk just use 240ml semi skimmed and add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.

Allow to stand for 5 minutes and then use as buttermilk. 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400F/200C/Gas 6.
2. Tip the flours, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl and stir.
3. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk, mixing quickly with a large fork to form a soft dough. (Depending upon the absorbency of the flour, you may need to add a little milk if the dough seems too stiff but it should not be too wet or sticky.
4. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly.
5. Turm into a round and flatten the dough slightly before placing on a lightly floured baking sheet.
6. Cut a cross on the top and bake for about 30 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool on a wire rack.