Pre heat the oven to 180C / 350 F and line a medium bread loaf pan with baking paper.

Heat the olive oil in a non stick frying pan and sauté the onions and star anise over a gently heat for around 8 - 12 minutes until they are soft and just start turning a golden. You do not wan to brown them. Set them aside and allow to cool slightly.

Sift the flour and add the salt, cheese and herbs. Mix. Add the cooled onions and mix. Add the buttermilk and water and gently mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a sticky dough.

Spoon the dough into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours until golden brown on top. You will know your bread is done when you insert a sharp knife or skewer into the thickest part and it comes out clean.