Soda bread

Makes 2 loaves

570g/18oz stoneground wholemeal flour

570g/18oz plain white flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp bread soda
800ml/28fl oz buttermilk

Heat the oven to 230C/450F/Gas8. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in most of the buttermilk quickly and in one go.

Working from the centre, mix with your hands adding a little more milk if it is dry. When the dough is soft but not sticky to the touch, turn out on to a floured work surface and knead lightly into a round shape.

Using your hand, flatten slightly until it is no more than 5cm deep. Place on a baking tray, mark with a deep cross, put on the middle shelf of the hot oven and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 200C/400F/Gas6 and cook for a further 20 minutes, or until cooked. You can test this by tapping the loaf underneath; it should sound hollow. Remove from the oven and allow to cool a little before eating.