Folar de Chaves - Portuguese Easter Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 100g (3.5 oz) chorizo, diced 100g (3.5 oz) chorizo, diced
• 100g (3.5 oz) olives, pitted and sliced 100g (3.5 oz) olives, pitted and sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) cheese, grated
• 50ml (1/4 cup) olive oil 50ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk) Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and knead in the diced chorizo, sliced olives, and grated cheese until evenly distributed.
6. 6.
   Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Brush the loaf with the egg wash and bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — Make sure to use a good quality chorizo for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use a less spicy variety.
• Olives — Choose your favorite type of olives, such as green or black, to add a burst of briny flavor to the bread.
• Cheese — Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to achieve a gooey texture in the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs to the dough.
• If you prefer a spicier bread, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the dough.
• Serve the Folar de Chaves warm with a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.
• This bread is perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own as a snack.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Folar de Chaves as a centerpiece during Easter celebrations. Slice it and serve it on a platter with some olive oil for dipping.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, on top of the bread before baking. This will add a pop of color and freshness.