Indian Spiced Marraqueta

Ingredients

In this Indian adaptation of Marraqueta, we incorporate Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to infuse the bread with a distinct Indian flavor profile. The traditional Chilean Marraqueta is known for its crusty exterior and soft interior, which we maintain in this recipe. The fusion of these two cuisines creates a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. We alse have the original recipe for Marraqueta, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 2 tsp cumin powder 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp chili powder
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
4. 4.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into equal-sized portions.
9. 9.
   Shape each portion into a long, thin loaf with tapered ends, resembling the traditional Marraqueta shape.
10. 10.
    Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise in the dough.
• Cumin powder — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them into powder will enhance their flavor.
• Turmeric powder — Be cautious while handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder according to your preference.
• Serve the Indian Spiced Marraqueta with a side of mint chutney or raita for a refreshing contrast.
• Experiment with different Indian spice blends to create your own unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter before baking.
• Leftover bread can be used to make delicious sandwiches or croutons.

Serving advice

Serve the Indian Spiced Marraqueta warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with Indian curries, soups, or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the loaves before baking. This will add a touch of visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.