Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) buttermilk, cold
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) raisins or currants (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper, if using.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (Skip if not using butter).
  4. Stir in raisins or currants, if using.
  5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold buttermilk.
  6. Gently mix until just combined. Do NOT overmix. The dough will be shaggy and sticky.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a round, about 1.5-2 inches thick.
  8. Using a sharp knife or lame, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf.
  9. Brush the top of the loaf with milk or buttermilk and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.