Traditional Soda Bread

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Get out a 10 to 12-inch cast-iron skillet or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use a 9-10 inch cake pan that has been lightly greased.

2. In a small bowl, beat the buttermilk and egg together until combined and set aside.

3. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until combined. Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture and cut in using a pastry cutter or fork. Work the butter into the flour until it becomes crumbly. Stir in currants or raisins.

4. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and fold using a spatula until the dough becomes thick. Lightly flour your hands and remove the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1 minute until all the flour has been incorporated.

5. Place the dough onto the cast iron skillet or prepared pan and use a very sharp knife to cut an X on top.

6. Bake for 45 minutes until the bread becomes a nice golden-brown color all over. If it begins to brown too quickly, place a loose tent of foil over the top. The internal temperature should be 190-200F.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.