Experience the rustic charm of Portuguese Cornbread, a traditional bread known as *broa* that blends fine yellow cornmeal with all-purpose flour for a perfectly balanced texture. This hearty loaf is brought to life with a touch of olive oil, a hint of sugar, and the earthy depth of active dry yeast. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, this recipe involves a simple kneading process to achieve a smooth and elastic dough, followed by a warm, airy rise. Once baked to a golden perfection, the cornbread boasts a delightfully crispy crust and a soft, tender interior, making it ideal for pairing with soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a smear of butter. Perfect for anyone seeking a taste of Portugal, this homemade bread is a comforting addition to any table.
Begin by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Add the salt and stir to combine.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
Sprinkle some extra flour on your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead it for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle additional flour sparingly while kneading.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cross or crisscross pattern on the top of the loaf.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Calories |
276 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.4 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 491 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 5.8 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 91 mg | 2% | |
*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.