Jamaican Hard Dough Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (250g) bread flour 2 cups (250g) bread flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 390mg

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. 2.
   Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring the mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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 it doubles in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
8. 8.
   Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• All-purpose flour — Make sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
• Bread flour — The higher protein content in bread flour helps achieve the desired texture of the bread.
• Instant yeast — If using active dry yeast, activate it in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Warm water — The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water with coconut milk.
• To achieve a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Make sure to let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming crumbly.
• Store the bread in an airtight container or bag to maintain its freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Jamaican Hard Dough Bread warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with butter, jam, or your favorite spread. It makes a great accompaniment to soups, stews, or as a base for sandwiches.

Presentation advice

To present the Jamaican Hard Dough Bread, slice it into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. You can sprinkle some flour on top for an authentic touch. Serve with a side of butter or your favorite spread.