Easy Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

– 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a fork, stir the buttermilk into the flour mixture, mixing until just combined; the dough should be soft but not too wet or sticky.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a few times to bring it together into a round loaf. Be careful not to over-knead, as this will make the bread tough.

5. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut a deep X into the top, about an inch deep. This helps the bread to cook through properly.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Best served warm.

Variations & Tips: