Panamanian-style Whole Grain Bread

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Kneippbrød to Panamanian cuisine, we incorporate tropical flavors and ingredients commonly found in Panamanian dishes. The original Norwegian bread is transformed into a Panamanian-style Whole Grain Bread by adding tropical fruits and spices, giving it a unique taste and texture that reflects the vibrant culinary traditions of Panama. We alse have the original recipe for Kneippbrød, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (200g) cooked quinoa 1 cup (200g) cooked quinoa
• 1 ripe banana, mashed 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped dried tropical fruits (such as pineapple, mango, and papaya) 1/2 cup (75g) chopped dried tropical fruits (such as pineapple, mango, and papaya)
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts (such as cashews or almonds) 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts (such as cashews or almonds)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, cooked quinoa, mashed banana, coconut milk, honey, vegetable oil, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. 3.
   Fold in the chopped dried tropical fruits and nuts into the batter.
4. 4.
   Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. 6.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quinoa — Make sure to cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool before adding it to the batter. This will ensure the right texture and prevent the bread from becoming too moist.
• Dried tropical fruits — If the dried fruits are too hard, soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before chopping and adding to the batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced tropical flavor, you can add a teaspoon of grated lime zest to the batter.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of honey or add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
• Toast slices of this bread and spread them with a dollop of coconut butter for an extra tropical twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Panamanian-style Whole Grain Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with Panamanian soups, stews, or as a side dish to accompany traditional Panamanian meals.

Presentation advice

Slice the bread into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and a few slices of fresh tropical fruits for an appealing presentation.