– 400g wholemeal flour, plus a bit extra
– 1 teaspoon bicarb soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 300ml buttermilk (I have been known to substitute creme fraiche and yoghurt in desperation … actually worked very well)
Preheat the oven to 230C
Mix the flour, salt, sugar and bicarb in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and gradually add the buttermilk, working it in as you go.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes, then shape into a flattened round loaf. Transfer to an oiled baking sheet or tray. With a sharp knife score a cross into the top of the loaf and then sprinkle with a little extra flour.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200C and bake for another 30 minutes or so. The loaf will sound hollow when tapped underneath when it is done.
Let cool on a wire rack. I like this bread sliced thickly, topped with pate, chutney and lettuce.