Ireland - Soda Bread

For those of you who have never encountered Soda Bread, it is a hearty dense 'quick bread' made without yeast. Instead, it uses Bicarbonate of Soda as a raising agent. It has quite a dense texture but is great if you want something fresh and quick.

This bread is a little heavy but very tasty; packed with sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs. It has to be made and eaten in the same day as it doesn't stay fresh for long! But that’s really not a problem in my house. One slice will really fill you up! My favourite way to eat it is toasted with a healthy serving of butter and a sprinkling of sea salt  

Ingredients

400g plain flour

1 1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp cracked black pepper

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

200g sharp mature cheddar, coarsely grated

300ml buttermilk

1 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped

1 tbsp Thyme, finely chopped 

1 tbsp milk, to glaze 

Method

Preheat your oven to 180C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Have all of your ingredients ready before starting to make the dough. Sieve together the flour and bicarb of soda in a large bowl. Add the salt and black pepper and mix to combine. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk. Add in the cheese (keep a little to one side for topping later) and herbs. Mix together to make a shaggy dough. Tip out onto the counter and Knead into a ball. Place onto tray. (I added 1 tbsp of milk here to bring the dough together as mine was a little dry.)

Brush the top with milk. Score an X in the top using a sharp knife and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. 

Bake for 35-40 minutes until a deep golden and the bread sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Leave to cool completely before cutting. Has to be eaten on the day! Wrap in clingfilm as soon as it has been cut to keep it fresh.