Irish Soda Bread

• 450g plain flour (or half wholemeal)
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp salt
• About 400ml buttermilk

Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and flour a baking tray.

Mix the dry ingredients, make a well and pour in most of the buttermilk. Bring together quickly with a clawed hand into a soft, sticky dough, adding more buttermilk if it's dry. Don't knead.

Tip onto a floured surface and gently pat into a round about 4cm high. Put it on the tray and cut a deep cross across the top.

Bake to set the crust.

Lower the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and bake until the base sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool wrapped in a clean tea towel for a soft crust, or on a rack for a crisp one.