Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425ºF

Step 2

Sift together your flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl

Step 3

Make a well in the center and then add in half your buttermilk, stir gently to combine

Step 4

Add in the rest of your buttermilk and continue to gently stir until a sticky dough forms

Step 5

Place the sticky dough onto a flour-dusted work bench

Step 6

Fold the dough a few times (2-to form a ball but do not over-work it or the bread will be tough.

Step 7

Use a sharp knife to cut a "cross" in the top of the dough to allow for expanding during baking

Step 8

Place the dough into your dutch oven and cover. Bake at 425ºF for 30 minutes then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of your bread reaches 195ºF-200ºF

Step 9

Serve your Irish soda bread warm with some butter and jam or along side a hearty stew. This bread will keep for up to two days but is really meant to be eaten on the day it's made.