Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 400g wholemeal flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp bicarbonate soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 80g chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 350ml buttermilk
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Tip the flour, salt, all seeds and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl and stir.

Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk and olive oil, mixing quickly to form a soft dough. Depending upon the absorbency of the flour, you may need to add a little milk if the dough seems too stiff but it should not be too wet or sticky.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly.

Form into a round and flatten the dough slightly before placing on a lightly floured baking sheet.

Cut a cross on the top and bake for about 30 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.

*Option: Sprinkle loaf with rolled oats or seeds before baking.

Note: this recipe was demonstrated in John's class 'Easy Cooking for Everyday', August 2018.

The recipe and photo are reproduced with permission from John Casey.