Irish Brown Soda Bread

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (215°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2

Mix together the flours, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles course bread crumbs.

Step 3

In a separate jug, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.

Step 4

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid.

Step 5

Using an open hand, bring the flour and liquid together to a loose dough. The dough should be quite soft and a bit sticky. If your dough is a little dry then add a splash more buttermilk.

Step 6

Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and gently bring the dough together in a ball. Flatten it into an 8-inch round, about 1 ½-inches (4cm) thick.

Step 7

Place on the baking sheet and score the bread by blessing it with a deep cross on top (see video). Poke a hole in the 4 corners of the bread to release the fairies and stop them from cursing your beautiful bread.

Step 8

Glaze the bread with the leftover bit of buttermilk in your jug and scatter the rolled oats on top.

Step 9

Bake for 15 minutes, then turn down the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 30 minutes more. When done, the loaf will sound slightly hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from the baking sheet and place on a wire rack to cool.

Step 10

Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy with butter. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.