Indonesian Indian Spiced Pan de Alfacar

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Spanish Pan de Alfacar is infused with Indonesian Indian flavors. The addition of saffron and a blend of Indonesian Indian spices transforms the original recipe, giving it a unique twist and creating a fusion of flavors that combines the best of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Pan de Alfacar, so you can check it out.

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup (50g) raisins (optional) 1/4 cup (50g) raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup (50g) chopped almonds (optional) 1/4 cup (50g) chopped almonds (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 41g (Sugars: 12g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and saffron threads. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
4. 4.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, saffron-infused milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 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 about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins and chopped almonds, if using.
8. 8.
   Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. 10.
    Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, lightly toast the threads in a dry pan before steeping them in warm milk.
• Turmeric — Use ground turmeric for convenience, but if you have access to fresh turmeric, grate it finely and add it to the dough for a more vibrant color and flavor.
• Cardamom — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom pods. Simply remove the seeds from the pods and grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges or wash the oranges thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
• For a more pronounced saffron flavor, you can increase the amount of saffron threads.
• If you don't have saffron, you can substitute it with turmeric to achieve a similar yellow color.
• Feel free to customize the bread by adding other dried fruits or nuts of your choice.
• To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Indonesian Indian Spiced Pan de Alfacar warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful snack or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the bread before serving. You can also garnish with a few strands of saffron or a sprinkle of chopped almonds.