Wheat soda bread Recipe: Low Fat, Low Sugar

To make one large loaf

¾pint / 425 ml warm water

1 teaspoon salt

1 ½teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

8 oz / 250 g white flour

8 oz / 250 g wholemeal flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

• Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, olive oil and salt in a bowl, make a well in the centre and add the water.
• Mix to a soft dough - add more water if required.
• Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic - about 10 minutes by hand or 2 minutes in a food mixer.
• Shape into a round loaf on a floured board and then place on a baking tray
• Bake at Gas Mark 6, 400°F, 200°C for 25- 35 minutes. Turn out and cool on wire rack.

• Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the top before baking.
• Stand a bowl of water in the oven to give the steamy atmosphere needed for a good crust.
• You can use all wholemeal flour but this will produce a heavier loaf.