irish soda bread

• 225g plain flour
• 225g wholemeal flour
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp bicarbonate soda
• 350ml buttermilk
• 1 tbsp plain flour

preheat the oven to 200˚C.

place a large oven-proof pan with its lid in the oven.

combine all dry ingredients thoroughly. stir the buttermilk in quickly and mix well with your fingers. make a loaf.

take the pan out of the oven, spread the flour on the bottom and place the loaf in it. score a cross on the top with a sharp knife, cover with the lid and place back in the oven.

it is essential that  the loaf is made and placed in the oven very quickly after the addition of the buttermilk because it will react immediately with the bicarbonate soda.

bake for 25 minutes, then leave covered in the pot for another 5 minutes. take out and leave to cool slightly.

best eaten on the same day but it still tastes nice the next day.