Irish Soda Bread

Prepare to bake by arranging your equipment and preheating the oven for the soda bread.

Heat the oven to a moderate baking temperature and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until the baking soda is evenly dispersed.

Make a well in the center and pour in most of the buttermilk, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together, adding a little more buttermilk if the mixture is too dry.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round, handling it as little as possible to keep it tender.

Place the round of dough on the prepared tray, cut a deep cross on top, and brush the surface lightly with melted butter if using.

Bake until the loaf is well risen and the crust is golden and firm, then cool on a rack until just warm before slicing and serving.