Soda Bread

Ingredients:
450g plain white flour (not breadmaking flour)
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 level tsp salt
1 level tsp caster sugar
300ml natural low fat yoghurt
150-180ml milk


Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 220°c. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and caster sugar into a large bowl. Sifting ensures the bicarbonate of soda is distributed well in the flour, meaning the loaf will rise evenly.
2. Mix the yoghurt with 150ml of the milk. Add to the flour mixture in the bowl and mix with a large spoon until the mixture comes together - you may need to add a little more milk to make a soft but not sticky dough.
3. Flour your hands and bring the mixture together. The bicarbonate of soda starts to work as soons as it mixes with the liquid, so you ned to work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. Gather the dough into a ball and put on a floured work surface. Shape in to a round loaf about 20-22cm across.
4. Transfer the baking tray and using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross in the top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. If the loaf starts to brown too much, cover the top with a loose piece of foil shiny side up for the last 5 minutes.

Notes: For a crusty loaf, cool the baked bread on a wire rack; for a soft crust, wrap in a clean tea towel and leave until cold.


Taken from ASDA Magazine January 2013