Pan Trenza Colombiano

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk, for egg wash 1 egg yolk, for egg wash
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional) Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 6g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
7. 7.
   Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Place the three ropes side by side and pinch them together at one end.
9. 9.
   Start braiding the ropes, crossing the outer ropes over the center rope until you reach the end. Pinch the ends together to seal.
10. 10.
    Transfer the braided bread to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11.
    Cover the bread with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12. 12.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
13. 13.
    In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a splash of water. Brush the egg wash over the bread.
14. 14.
    Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired.
15. 15.
    Bake the Pan Trenza Colombiano for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
16. 16.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can be used as a substitute, but it may result in a slightly denser bread.
• Yeast — Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter to have better control over the salt content in the recipe.
• Milk — Warm the milk to around 37°C (98°F) to activate the yeast properly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough.
• Experiment with different toppings such as cinnamon sugar or grated cheese for added flavor.
• If the bread browns too quickly in the oven, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Serve the Pan Trenza Colombiano warm with a spread of butter for a delicious treat.
• Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Serving advice

Serve the Pan Trenza Colombiano as a centerpiece on your breakfast or brunch table. Slice it and enjoy it on its own, or pair it with your favorite spreads, cheeses, or cold cuts.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the bread just before serving. This will add a touch of elegance and make it even more visually appealing.