Soda bread to Ireland is what pasta is to Italy. It is as Irish as the flag itself! Every Irish kitchen has been filled with the aroma of freshly baked Irish soda bread, which is light and crumbly in texture, with a soft richness that comes from the buttermilk. You can make it with regular milk if you are unable to get your hands on buttermilk. The fresh thyme adds a light floral aroma, but it’s a delicate flavor. You can also substitute the thyme for rosemary, 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds or 1/3 cup raisins.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Flour a baking sheet and set aside.
Sift the flours, followed by the baking soda, into a large mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt and the thyme. Mix together with clean hands.