
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!
Thanks Shane for explaining the bread soda & buttermilk.When are you bringing out a cook book?
No Problem Paula, I’d love too but these things take time! Fingers crossed 🙂
Hi Shane, thanks for the recipe. Here in the UK I don’t have a ready supply of buttermilk but I do make my own yogart so will try with that. Love your food ideas. Xx
Hi Kathleen, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can sour regular full fat room temperature milk with a squeeze of lemon juice and this will work for you. Thank you so much for your kind message. Shane x