Ingredients
- 450g plain flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (bread soda)
- 370ml buttermilk
- 100g dried sultanas (optional)
- 1 egg for egg wash (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. o Into a bowl sieve in the flour, salt and soda.
- To this, add the fruits (if using) and mix together. Add the buttermilk and with a clean hand, mix to form a soft dough. Turn this out onto a lightly floured work surface and shape into a neat round.
- Place on the tray and using the back of a knife cut a cross across the top of the loaf.
- Egg wash the top of the loaf (optional) if you are looking for a rich brown colour. o Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until risen and golden brown.
- To check if the loaf is baked, tap the base of the loaf and if you hear a hollow sound, its done. Serve with lashings of butter and jam!
Additional Tips
- To make your own buttermilk, simply add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 270ml of room temperature milk and set aside at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Add extra flavour to the soda bread by soaking the fruit in your favourite tea. You can also leave out the fruit and add your favourite herbs and cheese for a savoury loaf
