Oatmeal Soda Bread

Ingredients :

• 250g plain flour
• 200g self raising wholemeal flour
• 150g coarse oatmeal (plus a little extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400mls fresh buttermilk (or 200mls plain yogurt mixed with 200mls semi skimmed milk)

Cooking Instructions :
Pre-heat the oven to 180C and lightly oil a large baking sheet. Place all the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl - add the olive oil followed by the buttermilk or milk/yogurt mix. Mix gently with a round bladed knife until dough starts to come together. Dust a clean work surface with a little oatmeal then tip out the dough. Knead very lightly with your hands to form a smooth round - take care not to overwork. Cut a deep cross across the top with a sharp knife and dust with a little more oatmeal. Place on the baking tray then bake in the hot oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the base. Wrap the hot loaf in a clean tea towel (this stops too hard a crust forming) and leave to cool. Cut into thick slices and serve with butter.