Healthy Irish Soda Bread ~ Whole Grain

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, and sprinkle with a light dusting of flour.

Step 2: In a large bowl whisk both flours, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk.

Step 3: Using one hand, stir in full circles, starting in the center and working toward the outside of the bowl, until all the flour is mixed in. The dough should be soft but not too wet and sticky. When it all comes together, in a matter of seconds, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Clean any extra dough off your hands.

Step 4: Pat and roll the dough gently with floured hands, just enough to tidy it up and give it a round shape. Flip over and flatten slightly to about 2 inches.

Step 5: Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Mark with a deep cross using a serrated knife, and prick each of the four quarters.

Step 6: Bake the bread for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F, and continue to bake until the loaf is brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped, 30-35 minutes more.

Step 7: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack, and let cool for about 30 minutes.