Spotted dog (Irish soda bread with sultanas)

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200°C fan/gas 7. Put a baking sheet on the top shelf of the oven to heat up.
2. Sift the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and sultanas, then mix well with your hands, lifting up the flour and fruit mixture (this will add more air and make a lighter loaf). Make a well in the centre of the flour.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk and 30ml water. Using a wooden spoon or a knife, gradually stir the liquid into the dry ingredients. Use your hands to bring the mixture together to form a soft dough (see Tips).
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4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and dust liberally with flour. Form the dough into a round shape, about 15cm wide. Cut a deep cross into the top with a sharp knife, dust with a little flour, then transfer to the hot baking sheet. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 30 minutes or until risen, lightly browned and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.