Homemade Soda Bread

Making your own bread doesn't have to be a long and complicated process. In fact, this homemade soda bread proves it can be done and dusted within the hour. 

Homemade soda bread:

Duration: 30 – 50 minutes

You'll need:

• 170g / 6oz self-raising wholemeal flour
• 170g / 6oz plain flour
• 1/2 tsp bicarb soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 290ml / 1/2pt buttermilk
• 2 tbsp rolled oats

To make the bread:

1. Preheat oven to 220˚C / 425˚F / Gas Mark 7.
2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
3. In a big bowl, mix together flours, bicarb soda and salt.
4. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk. Stir together until a dough develops.
5. Pop the dough onto a lightly floured bench. With floured hands, bring the dough together into a ball and pat into a round loaf.
6. Put the loaf onto the prepared baking tray and cut a 2.5cm / 1” deep X in the top with a very sharp knife.
7. Sprinkle oats over loaf.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, and then turn the loaf upside-down on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes.
9. Cool on a wire rack.

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Homemade soda bread originally featured in Lunch Lady Magazine Issue 3. Recipe and photograph by Kate Berry.