Traditional Brown Soda Bread

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and lightly dust a baking sheet with flour.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the coarse wholemeal flour, plain white flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in about 350ml of the buttermilk. Using your hand like a claw, mix in a quick circular motion from the center outward until a soft, slightly wet dough forms (add the remaining buttermilk if it feels too dry). Do not overmix or knead, or the bread will turn out heavy and dense.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf about 4cm thick.
5. Place the round on the baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (the 'blessing') across the top, extending all the way down the sides.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the loaf is deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Wrap in a clean, damp tea towel while cooling to keep the crust soft.