Irish Soda Bread - Arán Sóide

The simplest bread to do prepare, Irish soda bread gets its name from the use of baking soda instead of yeast when preparing it. This bread is very easy and quick to do because there is no need of proving and it only needs a minimum amount of kneading. The lack of proving and kneading gives its typical delicious cake-like texture. Also important is to use a mixture of flours...we used a mixture of self-raising wholemeal flour and plain flour. Give it a go, it is so worth the effort...you will need...

• 150g strong plain wholemeal flour
• 150g plain flour
• 250ml buttermilk ( I use a cup of milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes)
• half teaspoon fine sea salt
• half a teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Put all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir well.
3. Make a well in the centre and add the buttermilk whilst mixing with a fork. Keep mixing until you get a  soft dough, it should be neither stiff nor sticky. If too wet add a bit more plain flour or if too stiff add a bit water.
4. Put the dough on a floured surface and knead briefly.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten slightly and cut a cross shape with a sharp knife.
6. Bake into the hot oven for about 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy!!

R&A