This simple yet flavourful soda bread is a favourite in the restaurant and makes for a delicious Christmas side. It's perfect with a dollop of butter, and its fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen with festive cheer. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, with no kneading required!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of basil, shredded
- 50g semi-sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp bread soda (baking soda)
- 425g plain flour
- 315ml buttermilk
- Sea Salt
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Shred the basil and chop the sundried tomatoes.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the shredded basil, chopped sundried tomatoes, salt, bread soda, and plain flour.
- Slowly add the buttermilk and mix gently. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a baking tray or surface. Shape the dough into a mound and place it onto the tray. Use a knife to draw a cross in the center of the dough. Sprinkle with Sea salt
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. After 45 minutes, carefully flip the bread upside down and continue baking for another 10 minutes to ensure it's fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: Once the bread has cooled, slice it and freeze any leftovers. It's tempting to eat more than one slice but freezing it will help prevent you from overindulging!
