Soda Bread

We sifted 450g plain flour with 1 teaspoon of caster sugar, 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and 1 teaspoon of salt. We made a well in the middle and poured in about 350ml of buttermilk.

Using one hand (like a claw) we brought the flour and liquid together, adding more buttermilk if needed. We did not knead the dough, it was soft but not too wet or sticky. When it started to come together we put it on a floured worktop and brought it together some more.

We patted the dough into a round and cut a deep cross in it.

Placed it on a baking tray in a hot oven (230°) for 15 minutes and then turned the heat down to 200° and cooked it for another 30 minutes.

When cooked through it sounded slightly hollow when we tapped the base and was a lovely golden colour.

We let it cool slightly before carving.