Pan Aliñado with a Lithuanian Twist

Ingredients

In this Lithuanian-inspired version of Pan Aliñado, we incorporate Lithuanian spices and ingredients to give the traditional Colombian bread a Baltic twist. The addition of caraway seeds and dill infuses the bread with a unique flavor profile that is characteristic of Lithuanian cuisine. This adaptation creates a fusion of Colombian and Lithuanian culinary traditions, resulting in a delightful bread that showcases the best of both cultures. We alse have the original recipe for Pan aliñado Colombiano, 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
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp caraway seeds 2 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 tsp dried dill 2 tsp dried dill
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, caraway seeds, and dried dill. Mix well.
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 clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf.
9. 9.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. 10.
    Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg to give it a golden crust.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Caraway seeds — Toast the caraway seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This will enhance their flavor before adding them to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a stronger Lithuanian flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Lithuanian honey to the dough.
• Serve the Pan Aliñado with Lithuanian cheese, such as Džiugas or Šaltibarščiai, a traditional Lithuanian cold beet soup.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Lithuanian-inspired Pan Aliñado warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but can also be enjoyed with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some caraway seeds and dried dill on top of the loaf before baking. This will add an extra touch of visual appeal and highlight the Lithuanian flavors.