Wholemeal Soda Bread

A variation on the traditional soda loaf - so good with smoked salmon or for breakfast with fresh preserve. By all means reduce the amount of salt in this recipe-it wont make much of a difference.

Preparation time: 20 minutes-plus resting time   Quantity: Serves 6 -8   Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

350g/ 12 oz whole meal flour
250g/ 8 oz plain flour
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 pint/ 300 ml buttermilk or any milk
3-4 tablespoons water

Method

  • Sift the flours twice, put back the wholemeal bits
  • Add the rest of the dry ingredients
  • Mix in the buttermilk, by hand to a dough and the water if needed
  • Knead for 5 or so minutes, till softer and pliable
  • Make in to a shape
  • Place on a greased tin or in a loaf tin
  • Brush the top with egg yolk and a little milk
  • Leave in a warm place for 20 minutes

while you preheat the oven gas 7/220*c/450*f (the bread wont rise much, but will soften, rest and have a bit of a relax)

  • Place in the middle shelf for 30-40 minutes till golden brown and cooked