Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 150 g Plain Flour
• 150 g Wholemeal Flour
• 1 tsp Bicarbonate Of Soda
• 0.75 tsp Sea Salt
• 250 ml Buttermilk
• 30 g Butter

Method

1. Heat the oven to a hot baking temperature with a heavy baking tray inside so the base of the loaf starts fast and rises cleanly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk {plain_flour}, {wholemeal_flour}, {bicarbonate_of_soda} and {sea_salt}. Pour in {buttermilk} and mix quickly with one hand for under a minute until a shaggy, soft dough just comes together; do not knead or the crumb will turn heavy.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape it gently into a round without kneading, then cut a deep cross across the top so the centre bakes through and the loaf opens properly.
4. Set the loaf on the hot tray and bake until the crust is deep golden, the sides feel firm and the base sounds hollow when tapped.
5. Rest the loaf briefly on a rack, then split or slice and serve warm with {butter} so it melts into the crumb. Taste a corner and add a pinch more {sea_salt} on top if needed.