Soda Bread

Method

Preheat your oven to 200°C and lightly flour a baking tray. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk, then gently mix with your fingers until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms; do not overwork it. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a round loaf about 20cm in diameter, and place it on the prepared tray. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, cutting about halfway through. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the base. Cool on a wire rack before serving warm with butter.