Experience the irresistible charm of Massa Sovada, a traditional Portuguese sweet bread that's as soft as it is flavorful. This enriched bread is made with a tender dough infused with the bright zest of lemon and aromatic vanilla, yielding a subtly sweet and citrusy flavor that delights with every bite. Perfectly golden and glossy thanks to the egg wash, this bread boasts a pillowy texture achieved through careful kneading and a double-rise process. Massa Sovada is a versatile treat, ideal for breakfast slathered with butter or as a delightful tea-time companion. Whether you're exploring Portuguese cuisine or looking for a show-stopping bread recipe, this sweet loaf is sure to impress. Keywords: Portuguese sweet bread, Massa Sovada, traditional bread recipe, lemon zest bread, easy homemade bread.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm but not boiling. Add the granulated sugar and butter, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the butter is melted. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the cooled milk mixture and the activated yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet or in a greased 9-inch round pan. Cover and allow it to rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together to create the egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash to give it a shiny, golden crust.
Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top browns too quickly, lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Calories |
3590 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.7 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.5 g | 208% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 2748 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 621.0 g | 226% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.5 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 204.2 g | ||
| Protein | 91.3 g | 183% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 510 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 29.3 mg | 163% | |
| Potassium | 1395 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.