👨‍🍳 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

👨‍🍳 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

👨‍🍳 If using sugar, add it to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

👨‍🍳 If using raisins or currants, toss them in a small amount of flour first to coat them lightly.

👨‍🍳 Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.

👨‍🍳 Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round or oblong loaf.

👨‍🍳 Place the shaped bread onto the prepared baking sheet.

👨‍🍳 Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

👨‍🍳 Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.