Soda Bread

SODA BREAD 

Soda Bread is ridiculously easy to make and the results are delicious. If you don't have buttermilk just make your own add a tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to milk. Stir, let it sit for 5 minutes and voila...you have your very own homemade buttermilk!

INGREDIENTS 

250g strong wholemeal bread flour 

250g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting 

80g oats, plus extra for sprinkling 

12g bicarbonate of soda 

9g fine sea salt 

12g dark brown sugar 

200g cold water 

250ml buttermilk 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 240°C/fan 220°C/gas mark 6 and line a baking tray with baking paper. 

Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, then add the water and buttermilk and mix together until a wet dough is formed. 

Sprinkle a little flour over the dough to help bring it together, then roll it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking tray. 

Sprinkle with oats and cut a cross through the dough (about a quarter of the way through). 

Leave to rest for 5 minutes, then place your tray in the oven and lightly spritz the oven chamber with a water spray. 

Bake for 35 minutes, then take out of the oven and place on a rack to cool. 

Serve with a good mature cheddar and some bread and butter pickles, or just with butter for breakfast.