Folar de Valpaços

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g (7 oz) ham, diced 200g (7 oz) ham, diced
• 150g (5 oz) chorizo, sliced 150g (5 oz) chorizo, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 100g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g (1.75 oz) parmesan cheese, grated 50g (1.75 oz) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For decoration: For decoration:
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, dyed if desired 3 hard-boiled eggs, dyed if desired

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt for the dough. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil, eggs, and warm milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the diced ham, sliced chorizo, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the meats are slightly browned.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Stir in the grated cheddar and parmesan cheese. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle.
9. 9.
   Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one of the longer sides, forming a log.
10. 10.
    Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a round loaf or a braided shape.
11. 11.
    Place the hard-boiled eggs on top of the dough, gently pressing them into the surface.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — Use a good quality chorizo for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for a sweet or smoked variety instead of spicy.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the parmesan cheese finely for better distribution throughout the filling. You can also substitute it with another hard cheese like pecorino romano if desired.
• Hard-boiled eggs — To achieve perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, place them in a saucepan with cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 9-10 minutes. Then, transfer them to an ice bath to cool before peeling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling.
• You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
• Serve Folar de Valpaços warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or even as a snack.
• Leftover Folar de Valpaços can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Serving advice

Slice the Folar de Valpaços into thick slices and serve it as a centerpiece on a festive Easter table. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or as part of a charcuterie board.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can brush the top of the Folar de Valpaços with beaten egg before baking. This will give it a shiny and golden appearance. Additionally, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal.