Mediterranean Soda Bread

Sun-dried tomatoes, Olives and Basil combine in this healthy wholemeal loaf to create a taste of the Mediterranean and all in under an hour.

Makes: Two medium sized loaves

Time: 50 – 55 minutes or less

Level: Easy

Equipment: No special items required

Calories: Approx. 300 calories per 100g of bread

Yes, two for the time of one. What a good deal!

Ingredients

  • 250g Plain white flour                                
  • 250g Wholemeal flour                                
  • 20g Bicarbonate of soda                            
  • 10g Salt                                                         
  • 100g Sun-dried tomatoes, dabbed a little to remove some oil, then chopped                                  
  • 50g Black olives (or green ones), halved   
  • 20g Basil leaves, chopped                                      
  • 70g Butter, melted or softened 
  • 300ml Buttermilk                    

                 

Packed with Mediterranean goodies – look at those tomatoes and the Basil.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C/ Fan 180C/ 400F/ Gas 6. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment and flour it lightly.

2. Put all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

3. Add the flavourings and mix in, making sure they don’t clump together.

4. Make a well in the centre and pour in the butter then the buttermilk.

5. Mix well and work together by hand to form a stiff dough.

6. Tip the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and work together briefly, hardly kneading at all.

7. Divide into two roughly equal pieces and shape into balls. Flatten slightly and cut a cross in the top of each.

8. Place onto baking tray, dust lightly with flour and bake for 30 – 35 minutes. Check by tapping for a hollow sound, which means they’re baked.