Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients 

2 cups buttermilk (combine 2 tbsp white vinegar with 2 cups of milk and leave to curdle) 

3 ½ cups high grade flour 

3 tbsp sugar 

1 tsp baking soda 

1 tsp salt 

½ cup sunflower seeds 

Method 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 
2. In a large bowl, add all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, gently combine to form a soft and sticky dough.
3. Grease a round dish – I like to use cast iron and scrape the bread dough into it. Sprinkle a little flour over and shape with your hands into a round loaf shape. Use a sharp knife and score a X into the top, drizzle a little olive oil over and sprinkle with a handful more sunflower seeds and flaky sea salt (optional).
4. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.  Allow to cool for 5 minutes then remove from the dish and slice or pull the bread apart. 

This bread is perfect for mopping up soups, stews or as a side to a roast. Leftovers are delicious toasted with butter and marmite.