| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 347 | 15g | 2g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 6g | 13g | 0.40g |
About Gluten-Free Marraqueta
The Gluten-Free Marraqueta, a reinterpretation of a beloved Chilean classic, is a delectable haven for bread enthusiasts who have to maintain a gluten-free diet. This Marraqueta, free of wheat and chock-full of flavor, embraces the unique combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour, giving rise to a bread that is light, tasty, and fabulously flaky.
Taste and Texture
The Gluten-Free Marraqueta bakes into fragrant loaves with a golden crust that has a delicious crunch. This is further amplified if you opt to spritz it with a bit of vinegar before baking, a small step that brings a significant difference in texture. Make no mistake — despite its gluten-free constitution, this bread possesses a heartwarming familiarity when it comes to flavor. Lightly sweet and wonderfully textured, every bite tells a story. The interior of the bread is moist and tender, complemented by the hint of nuttiness from the almond flour.
A Versatile Option
The Gluten-Free Marraqueta’s versatile nature makes it a perfect pairing for various dishes. Ideal for breakfast, it works brilliantly with light, creamy scrambled eggs, or slathered with a generous dollop of fruit jam and a hot cup of coffee. Lunchtimes can be spruced up with this bread serving as a base for delightful sandwiches — consider filling options like fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, or homemade hummus. For dinner, it serves as an exceptional side, superbly complementing hearty soups like zucchini and carrot soup or rustic stews. There is even room for Marraqueta at dessert time, topping it with cinnamon butter for a sweet treat!
Marraqueta’s Origins
The conventional Marraqueta, also known as Pan Francés or Pan Batido in different parts of Latin America, has its origins traced back to the French Bakers in the Chilean capital, Santiago, in the 19th century. Our gluten-free take on this bread leans towards respecting the rich tradition and beloved taste profile while ensuring this bread is accessible to those with dietary restrictions. So, whether you’re gluten-intolerant, or simply someone trying to cut back on gluten, the Gluten-Free Marraqueta is the bread for you!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free baking powder
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1.25 cups warm water – around 110°F
- 2 teaspoons fast-rising yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Vinegar for spritzing dough (optional for better crust)
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, and sugar. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
Step Four
Pour the yeast and water mixture into the flour mixture, followed by the olive oil and the eggs. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no dry spots in the dough.
Step Five
Once your dough is well combined, divide it into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Transfer the balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step Six
Using a sharp knife, make two cuts on the top of each ball, forming a cross. This will help the bread expand as it bakes.
Step Seven
If you are using vinegar, spritz the dough lightly with it. This will help the crust to brown and crisp up.
Step Eight
Put the baking tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Step Nine
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Ten
Serve the Marraqueta while it’s still warm, or store in an airtight container once completely cooled. Enjoy!
