mary berry soda bread recipe​

This traditional Irish soda bread recipe by Mary Berry is quick, simple, and doesn’t require any yeast. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll enjoy a warm, crusty loaf with a tender crumb — perfect with butter, cheese, or soup.

Ingredients

• 500g (about 4 cups) plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 400ml (about 1¾ cups) buttermilk
• Optional: 1 tsp sugar (for a hint of sweetness)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and dust with flour.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and bicarbonate of soda.
3. Pour in the buttermilk and mix quickly with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a round. Place on the prepared tray.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the dough.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
7. Cool on a wire rack. Best enjoyed fresh with butter.