Irish Soda Bread with Cheese and Chutney

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• 8 ounces Irish cheese (e.g., Cheddar or Dubliner)
• 1 cup chutney
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

3. 3

   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 1.5 cups of buttermilk.

4. 4

   Using your hands, gently mix the flour into the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

5. 5

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf, about 1.5 inches thick.

6. 6

   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. 8

   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.

9. 9

   While the bread cools, slice the Irish cheese into thick pieces.

10. 10

    Serve warm slices of soda bread with butter, topped with cheese and a generous spoonful of chutney. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.