Almost every Irish family has a soda bread recipe they grew up with. The basics are simple: flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk (milk that has gone slightly sour and tangy). When the baking soda meets the buttermilk, it fizzes - and that's what makes the bread rise.
Soda bread is fast. From start to finish - mixing, shaping, baking - you can make a loaf in about 45 minutes. There is no kneading and no waiting for dough to rise. That made it perfect for families with a busy day on the farm.
The loaf is usually shaped into a round and has a deep cross cut into the top with a knife. People say this 'lets the fairies out' - but more practically, it helps the bread cook evenly and makes it easy to break into four pieces.
Soda bread is wonderful warm from the oven, sliced thick, with butter melting on top. It goes with everything - a bowl of soup, a slice of cheese, or just on its own.