Simple Irish Soda Bread

Simple Irish Soda Bread

4 cups	all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
2 teaspoons	baking soda
1 teaspoon	salt
1/2 cup	dried currants or raisins (optional)
2 cups	buttermilk Cooking Instructions Preheat oven to 425 F. Lightly oil the inside of a Cocotte or Dutch Oven. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour baking soda and salt. Stir in currants. Add 1-1/2 cups of the butter milk and stir to combine. Continue to slowly add remaining buttermilk until dough comes together. Note: all of the buttermilk may not be needed. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. Using hands, form loaf into a round loaf that will fit inside the cocotte. Place loaf into prepared Dutch oven. Using a sharp paring knife, score an "x" across into the top of the dough. Place lid on the pot and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove lid, and continue baking for 20 additional minutes. Remove from oven. Let bread rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and place on cooling rack to come to room temperature. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Makes 1 loaf.