Irish Wholemeal Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360grms) wholemeal flour
• 1 cup (120grams) white bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 375ml - 500ml of buttermilk (must be buttermilk!)

Preheat oven to 375f / 190c (about 10 less in a fan oven)

Combine dry ingredients and mix well. Mix in enough buttermilk to make a soft dough (soft enough that it doesnt crack, but not too sticky). Add more flour if it is too wet, it should hold it's shape.

Knead on a floured board, but only for about 2 mins until soft and smooth.

Place on a well buttered or oiled baking sheet. Slice across the top into a cross shape. 

Bake in the oven for 35-40 mins or until well browned and sound hollow on teh base when tapped. Leave to cool.

Slice very thin, nice toasted.

Variant:

Add 3-4 teaspoons of sugar (light brown or white) and 2-3 tablespoons of currants, sultanas or other dried fruit, into the dried ingredients. Not a "true" Irish recipe but v nice!

:-) Paul