White soda bread

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Line your baking tray with parchment paper.

Sift the flour, salt and bicarbonate soda into a large bowl and make a well in the middle.

Into the well, pour the buttermilk

Gently bring the ingredients together with one hand. It's important not to overmix the ingredients as this will result in your bread being heavy.

Once the mixture has been brought together like a dough, place it on a floured surface and shape it using your hands.

Take a knife and draw a cross down the centre of the loaf. 

Transfer to a baking tray and bake for between 40 and 45 minutes. If you are unsure that the bread is done, turn it upside down on the baking tray and tap the bottom, it should hollow if it is ready to come out of the oven. If not, leave it turned upsidedown and put it back in for a few more minutes, keeping a close eye. 

Once it is done, take it out and place on a wire rack to cool.

For best results eat fresh or freeze.