Buttermilk soda bread

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

450g Odlums plain flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon bread soda

370ml buttermilk

100g raisins (optional)

Method

The principal behind soda bread making is the mixing of an alkaline agent (i.e. bread soda) with an acidic liquid (i.e. buttermilk, yoghurt, sour milk) to produce air helping it to rise.

To begin, sieve all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and using your hand, make a well in the centre and add raisins if using.

Add the buttermilk and mix until the dough comes together-add more buttermilk if needed.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Roll into a round shape (average 2 inches deep)

Cut a cross on the top.

Egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 180C for 35-40 minutes.

To check if its cooked, tap the base and listen for a hollow sound.

If you want to sweeten the soda bread add some dried fruit or if its a savoury loaf your after the addition of cooked smoked bacon, cheese and fresh herbs work beautifully.

Happy baking!