Malay-style Garlic Bread

Ingredients

In the original Guatemalan dish, Ajo harina, the main focus is on the garlic flavor, which is achieved by mixing garlic powder with flour and water to create a dough. In the Malay-style Garlic Bread, we adapt the recipe by incorporating sambal, a popular ingredient in Malay cuisine, to infuse the bread with a spicy and aromatic flavor profile. This adaptation adds a unique twist to the traditional garlic bread, giving it a Malaysian flair. We alse have the original recipe for Ajo harina, so you can check it out.

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sambal paste 2 tablespoons sambal paste
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 loaf of French bread 1 loaf of French bread
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (coriander), for garnish 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (coriander), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, sambal paste, and softened butter until well combined.
3. 3.
   Slice the French bread into thick slices, without cutting all the way through.
4. 4.
   Spread the garlic and sambal butter mixture generously on each slice of bread, making sure to get it in between the slices.
5. 5.
   Wrap the bread in aluminum foil, leaving the top exposed.
6. 6.
   Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is crispy on the outside and heated through.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the Malay-style Garlic Bread warm and enjoy the flavorful combination of garlic, sambal, and butter.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Garlic — Make sure to mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the butter mixture.
• Sambal paste — Adjust the amount of sambal paste according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the garlic and sambal butter mixture before baking.
• If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the bread in foil without leaving the top exposed. This will help retain moisture and create a softer crust.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, for a variation in texture and taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Malay-style Garlic Bread as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Malay dishes. It pairs well with curries, satay, or even as a flavorful accompaniment to a bowl of laksa.

Presentation advice

Arrange the slices of Malay-style Garlic Bread on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant red color from the sambal paste and the green cilantro create an appealing visual contrast.