Broa de Avintes Portuguese Bread

Broa de Avintes, a cherished traditional bread of Northern Portugal, holds a rich history veiled in mystery. Passed down from generation to generation, its origins date back to a time when bread-making flourished in the Avintes area, renowned for its milling and baking industry. This traditional recipe creates a hearty loaf with a distinct bittersweet flavor.

Course Bread

Cuisine Portuguese

Keyword bread, portuguese

Servings

Calories 398kcal

Equipment

Oven paper (for lining)

Ingredients

250 g 1 ⅔ cups white corn flour
250 g 1 ⅔ cups yellow corn flour
500 g 4 cups rye flour
100 g ¾ cup malt flour
500 ml 2 cups hot water
50 g 3 ½ tbsp yeast
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white corn flour, yellow corn flour, rye flour, and malt flour.
Gradually add the hot water to the flour mixture, kneading until a dough forms. Adjust the water quantity for desired consistency.
Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of salt over the dough. Knead well to incorporate.
Cover the dough and let it rest for about 1.5 hours, allowing it to rise.

Shape the Loaves:

Divide the risen dough into portions weighing around 600-800g each. Shape them into balls.
On a surface dusted with rye flour, knead each portion and form them into cylinders with rounded tops.

Preheat and Bake:

Preheat the oven to 260°C (500°F).
Line a baking sheet with oven paper.
Place the shaped dough portions onto the oven paper on the baking sheet.
Let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are fully cooked and the crust is well browned.

Cool and Serve:

Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes.
Dust the cooled loaves with white flour for a finishing touch.
Serve your Broa de Avintes warm or at room temperature, paired with your favorite dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Notes

The Broa de Avintes bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Enjoy its unique flavor and hearty texture with your meal, or served with butter.

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