Plain 5-Minutes Irish Soda Bread

This is the simplest of breads, requiring no yeast and no rising, and you can make it with white or wholemeal flour, depending on your preference. The secret is to make the dough swiftly, with the minimum of mixing, and then to bake it as fast as possible. I recommend you enjoy it fresh and warm with creamy butter and jam.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 small loaf

Ingredients:

• 275 g (1 cup + 1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp) sifted strong wheat flour or bread flour (13% protein)
• 6 g (1 tsp) salt
• 4 g (1 tsp) baking soda
• 260 mL (1 cup + 1 Tbsp) whole milk or buttermilk
• Oatmeal and flaxseeds (optional)
• Parchment paper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) .
2. In a mixing bowl, mix the sifted flour, salt and baking soda together and set aside. This is the dry mixture.
3. Pour the milk or buttermilk into the dry mixture. Mix until it just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and transfer the dough to the floured work surface. Shape the dough into a ball.
5. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until baked through. To check if they are baked through, tip one upside down and tap the bottom – it should sound hollow. If they are not ready, return to the oven for a few minutes. If they are ready, set on a wire rack to cool.

Notes:

• You can use wholemeal or Irish-style wholemeal flour to make Classic Irish Soda Bread.