Pão com Chouriço - Portuguese Sausage Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g (7 oz) chouriço sausage, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) chouriço sausage, thinly sliced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 1g
• Protein: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until 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.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 8 equal portions.
6. 6.
   Take one portion of dough and flatten it into a small circle. Place a few slices of chouriço in the center and fold the dough over to enclose the sausage. Pinch the edges to seal.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and chouriço slices.
8. 8.
   Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
10. 10.
    Brush the risen dough balls with beaten egg.
11. 11.
    Bake for 20-25 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 Pão com Chouriço cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chouriço sausage — Look for authentic Portuguese chouriço sausage, which is typically made with pork, garlic, and paprika. If you can't find chouriço, you can substitute it with Spanish chorizo or any other spicy sausage with a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of paprika or dried oregano to the dough before kneading.
• Serve the Pão com Chouriço warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier version, use hot chouriço sausage instead of mild.

Serving advice

Pão com Chouriço is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the bread is still warm and the chouriço is juicy. Serve it as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by a glass of Portuguese red wine or a cold beer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Pão com Chouriço on a wooden board or a rustic platter to showcase its homemade charm. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color.