RECIPE | SODA BREAD

After being inspired by the wonderful Michel Roux Jr on BBC's Food & Drink series, along with the Real Bread Campaign movement, I thought I would put myself to the test to make my very own loaf. I decided to opt for the EASIEST option... Soda Bread! It contains no yeast, does not need resting to rise and can be prepared, cooked and out of the oven within 1 hour. Perfect.

This recipe makes a small-medium sized loaf. Perfect for around 10-12 slices depending on how thick you choose to cut it. It can be easily doubled for a larger loaf.

Ingredients:

150g Plain Flour (plus extra for dusting)

150g Wholemeal Flour

1 1/2tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

A very generous pinch of Salt

250ml Buttermilk (or same quantity of natural yoghurt)

Instructions:

1.  Heat your oven to 200ºC and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2.  Mix together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the salt. Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients to form a dough and knead gently, forming the dough into a ball.

3.  Place the ball of dough onto the baking paper and then with a sharp knife, cut a cross in the top of the dough about an inch deep. Sprinkle with flour and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes.

Traditionally you'd serve this whilst still hot with butter or jam... or with a nice wedge of runny cheese.

Or you could do what we did and pair it with Sweet Potato Hummus (David's concoction - Recipe HERE!) for a wonderfully sweet and savoury delight.