Carrot Soda Bread

1 3/4 c. buttermilk
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. grated carrot
3/4 c. currants/raisins (opt.)
2 tsp. baking soda
4 c. flour

Preheat oven to 375. Grease baking sheet. Stir together buttermilk, oil, sugar and salt in large mixing bowl. Stir in carrot and currants. Combine flour and baking soda and add to mixture. Quickly stir until just combined. Form dough into ball in bowl. Turn onto baking sheet. Flatten to 8" wide round. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1/2" deep "X" in center of bread. Bake for 45 minutes or until inserted knife or pick comes out clean. Slide bread on wire rack and let cool.