SEEDED IRISH BROWN BREAD
1/2 cup (75g) pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup (80g) sunflower seeds
125g plain flour
350g wholemeal flour, plus extra to dust
15g wheat germ
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
400ml buttermilk
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
Scatter half the pepitas and sunflower seeds on a baking tray. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden-brown. Remove and allow to cool.
Sift plain flour into a large mixing bowl, then sift in the wholemeal flour, wheat germ, bicarbonate of soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir together thoroughly to combine, then add the toasted pepitas and sunflower seeds. Make a well in the center of the mixture, then pour in the buttermilk and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough with floured hands before forming into one or two rounds (depending on whether you want 1 large or 2 smaller loaves).
Using a sharp knife, cut a cross 1cm deep across the top of the loaf/loaves. Brush the top of the dough with a little water, then scatter the poppy and sesame seeds and the remaining pepitas and sunflower seeds on top. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.