Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a cast iron skillet or baking sheet with butter or coconut oil.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, salt, and baking soda.

Step 3

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the buttermilk. Mix the dough with a spoon or your hands until the dough comes together in a crumbly, sticky ball. Add more buttermilk if it seems too dry.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shaping it into a ball. Don't knead it too much. Just form it into a ball.

Step 5

Place the ball of dough into the greased cast iron skillet or onto the baking sheet you prepared earlier. Press the dough, flattening it a bit with the palm of your hand, into a 1" thick round. Make an "x" in the top of the dough (about 1/2" deep) with a sharp knife.

Step 6

Place the skillet or baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until crust is browned. Tap the bottom of the bread to see if it's done. It should sound hollow when lightly tapped.

Step 7

Remove from oven. Let bread cool on a cooling rack before slicing.