Peranakan Spiced Lagana Bread

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have incorporated Peranakan flavors into the traditional Lagana bread. The original Lagana bread is typically plain and served with olive oil and salt. However, in this recipe, we have added a blend of Peranakan spices to give the bread a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the cooking technique remains the same, but the spices and ingredients used are specific to Peranakan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Lagana, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cumin
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, turmeric, coriander, and cumin.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
7. 7.
   Roll out each portion into a rectangular shape, about 1cm (0.4 inch) thick.
8. 8.
   Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with water and sprinkle sesame seeds over the surface.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turmeric — Turmeric stains easily, so be careful when handling it. Use gloves or wash your hands immediately after handling to avoid staining.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before using them as a garnish. This will enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or finely chopped chili peppers to the dough.
• Serve the Lagana bread with a side of spicy sambal or a tangy Peranakan curry for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter before baking.
• Lagana bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Experiment with different toppings such as grated coconut or chopped herbs to add a unique twist to the bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Peranakan Spiced Lagana Bread warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or served alongside main dishes such as curries or stews.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the Lagana bread into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle some additional spices on top for an extra pop of color.