Cheese and Onion Soda Bread

Not only is this quick bread hearty and delicious, but also it can be in the oven in fewer than 10 minutes!

2 1/2 cups (625 mL) whole wheat flour
1 cup (250 mL) wheat bran
1/2 cup (125 mL) oat bran
1/2 cup (125 mL) wheat germ
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped green onion
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking soda
2 cups (500 mL) 1% buttermilk, plus extra
1 Tbsp (15 mL) rolled oats, as garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).

In large bowl, stir together flour, wheat bran, oat bran, wheat germ, cheese, green onion, salt, and baking soda. Make a well in centre of dry ingredients and add buttermilk all at once. Stir with fork until soft dough forms. If dough is too dry, add more buttermilk, 1 Tbsp (15 mL) at a time, to a maximum of 4 Tbsp (60 mL).

Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, lightly knead dough 5 or 6 times. Form into ball, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and press into 6 in (15 cm) round. Make large cross across top, cutting two-thirds of the way into dough using serrated knife. Brush lightly with a little extra buttermilk and sprinkle with oats, if desired.

Bake until crust is nicely browned and tester inserted in centre comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly before cutting. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 1 loaf, about 20 slices.

Each slice contains: 93 calories; 5 g protein; 2 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 17 g carbohydrates (1 g sugars, 4 g fibre); 195 mg sodium

source: "Homemade Bread", alive #363, January 2013